Lead, UAV Integration Technician

Make it rain. Make Snow. Make Earth Habitable.

Rainmaker builds and deploys audacious technologies that work with nature to create an abundant, habitable planet. We are modernizing proven cloud-seeding science with weather-resistant UAS, radar and satellite observations, numerical weather prediction, novel sensing and validation systems, and sustainable seeding technologies. We are building an integrated system to make more freshwater available to farms, ecosystems, and communities.

Our ambition is bold, but we pursue it with humility. We take on difficult problems in the real world with technical rigor, grit, integrity, and an openness to learning and course-correcting. We are hiring individuals with evidence of exceptional ability. If you want to build systems that endure, restore, and provide, and help deliver the future we were promised, we want to hear from you.

Rainmaker is pioneering a modern cloud seeding system to solve water scarcity and inclement weather problems. We develop and incorporate radar validation, weather-resistant UAS, numerical weather modeling, and sustainable cloud seeds into an effective precipitation enhancement solution.

The Production team at Rainmaker builds our UAS platforms, assembles dispersion payloads, and integrates in-situ/remote sensing systems into every vehicle we deliver. As a Lead, UAV Integration Technician, you'll be on the front line of keeping our fleet mission-ready — executing maintenance work instructions with speed and precision to get aircraft back in the field. If you thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced environment where your work has a direct, immediate impact on mission success, this is a great opportunity.

What You'll Do

Coordinate integration efforts. Assign and sequence build tasks across the integration team to hit production schedules and delivery deadlines.

Own the build process. Oversee assembly of UAVs from individual components into complete systems, ensuring each aircraft meets quality and workmanship standards before leaving production.

Draft and maintain build procedures. Write, standardize, and update assembly work instructions, wiring diagrams, and integration checklists to ensure consistency and repeatability across builds.

Lead electrical integration quality. Set standards for wiring harness construction, electrical assemblies, and connection troubleshooting; review and sign off on completed work.

Communicate field and build gaps. Surface recurring issues, design flaws, or integration challenges seen during assembly or field testing to engineering and program stakeholders.

Train and develop technicians. Onboard new integration techs, train the team on new components, configurations, or procedures, and build cross-training across mechanical/electrical skill sets.

Drive quality inspection standards. Establish and enforce incoming parts inspection and final assembly QA processes to catch issues before aircraft reach the field.

Improve production processes. Identify inefficiencies in the build process, lead process improvement initiatives, and capture lessons learned from each build to improve future ones as production scales.

Manage parts and tooling. Coordinate with supply chain on parts availability and lead times; oversee tooling, 3D printers, machining equipment, and shop resources used in integration.

Escalate and resolve blockers. Act as the point of escalation for technical, resourcing, or scheduling issues the integration team can't resolve independently.

Enforce safety standards. Ensure all integration and field activities follow shop safety procedures and best practices for tool and equipment use.

Required Qualifications

7+ years of hands-on experience in UAV, aerospace, robotics, or similar mechanical/electrical maintenance environments

3+ years experience leading a technician team

Strong experience with mechanical assembly and electrical integration

Ability to read, interpret, and create technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and schematics

Proven experience troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical systems

Experience writing or improving work instructions, build procedures, or assembly documentation

Willingness to travel and support field operations and flight testing

Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship, with the judgment to enforce quality standards across a team

Ability to prioritize and coordinate work across multiple technicians in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate field/build issues into clear feedback for engineering and leadership

Comfortable taking ownership of team output and driving accountability

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs regularly

Familiarity with basic shop safety procedures, with experience enforcing safety standards for a team

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with the use of 3D printers

Familiarity with the use of torque drivers, power supplies, multimeters, and other diagnostic/hand tools

Experience machining on 3 and 5 axis machines

Experience with root cause analysis or corrective action processes

Familiarity with production tracking, quality management, or maintenance documentation systems

Experience scaling or standardizing processes in an early-stage or high-growth manufacturing environment

Supporting the Rainmakers behind the mission

Making earth more habitable is ambitious work and we want the people doing it to feel supported:

A stake in what we build: Meaningful stock options and the opportunity to help shape Rainmaker as an early member of the team.

Support for your health: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.

An investment in your future: A 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term savings.

Time to recharge: Unlimited PTO for rest, exploration, and the people and pursuits that matter to you plus a generous paid holiday schedule.

Time for a growing family: Paid parental leave for both parents to welcome a child and spend time together.

Lunch together: Daily lunch provided at our El Segundo headquarters, giving Rainmakers a chance to share a meal and connect with teammates.

Help making the move: Relocation assistance for eligible roles to support your transition to Rainmaker.

Rainmaker Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment decisions are made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Rainmaker provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for other protected reasons as required by law. If you need accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, contact [email protected]. Requests for accommodation will be handled confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.

Data Privacy

California applicants can review our California Applicant Privacy Notice. The notice explains the personal information we collect, how we use it, how long we retain it, and the privacy rights that may be available.

E-Verify

Rainmaker participates in E-Verify for U.S. Employees. To learn more, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-verify.gov .