Aerospace R&D Technician

Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and the most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming, as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.

The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.

As an Aerospace R&D Technician, you'll sit at the intersection of materials science, hands-on fabrication, and aircraft development. You'll work alongside our engineering team to develop, test, and improve composite manufacturing processes.

We're looking for someone who's curious, hands-on, and excited to become an expert in composites.

What You’ll Work On

Support development and optimization of composite manufacturing processes, building understanding of material behavior, cure kinetics, and process–structure–property relationships

Fabricate and test aircraft components and tooling using conventional and novel methods (hand layup, prepreg, bonding, machining support, etc.)

Assist with material characterization: mechanical testing, process validation, and data capture

Help author shop procedures, work instructions, and technical documentation

Work with engineers to investigate failures, qualify new materials, and support first-of-kind processes

Track material usage, test data, and process build records in structured spreadsheets and databases

Take ownership of undefined problems and turn them into documented, repeatable solutions

What You Bring

Hands-on fabrication experience (composites, auto body, mechanical, or general fabrication shop, etc)

Strong technical communication skills

Real interest in process development and understanding why a process works, not just following a layup schedule

Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving skillset

Proactive mindset; thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving environments where structure is built, not given

Nice to Have

5+ years in a technical/fabrication role

Direct composites experience (prepreg, wet layup, infusion, RTM, autoclave, etc.)

Composite tooling fabrication experience

Aerospace experience

CNC machining experience

CAD design experience

Strong Excel skills: comfortable building spreadsheets, using formulas, and tracking process/test data

Experience with material characterization, mechanical testing, or process development in R&D or advanced manufacturing is a strong plus

ITAR requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Swarm Aero is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences and make employment decisions without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability.

What We Offer

Meaningful equity in a high-growth defense technology company

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

Medical, dental, vision, and 401k

PTO and paid sick leave

Monthly wellness stipend

Daily catered lunch (office)

Paid parental leave

Direct impact on a critical national security mission

A world-class team of engineers and operators solving genuinely hard problems