Production Technician

Do you want to change the world? Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building, manufacturing and operating the first instant delivery and logistics system that serves all humans equally, wherever they are. From powering Rwanda’s national blood delivery network and Ghana’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, to providing on-demand home delivery for Walmart, to enabling healthcare providers to bring care directly to U.S. homes, we are transforming the way things move for businesses, governments and consumers. The technology is complex but the idea is simple: a teleportation service that delivers what you need, when you need it. Using robotics and autonomy, we are decarbonizing delivery, decreasing road congestion, and reducing fossil fuel consumption and air pollution, while providing equitable access to billions of people and building a more resilient global supply chain.

 

Join Zipline and help us to make good on our promise to build an equitable and more resilient global supply chain for billions of people.

About You and The Role  

Zipline’s Production Team is hiring a technician who will be responsible for the mechanical assembly and the testing of all manufactured hardware at Zipline International. This includes engineering validation builds up through production intent assemblies. The technician is expected to execute builds with written instructions and follow all stand operating procedures. They must also be comfortable working with schematics, giving feedback on process instructions and working closely with cross-functional stakeholders. They will be expected to check the quality of operations and meet schedules set by the Production Lead. The ideal candidate for this role is someone with extensive problem solving experience, and a solid understanding of how to work safely with electromechanical systems.  

This role is critical to scale our manufacturing team from engineering validation to volume production in order to support our distribution centers around the world. In addition, you will be hands-on in supporting the production, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of avionics systems that power Zipline’s autonomous drones. You will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and manufacturability of our cutting-edge electronic and mechanical systems, enabling safe and efficient delivery operations around the world.

This role specifically requires hands-on experience with mechanical PCBA assembly, including enclosure integration, torque-controlled fastening, and cable/harness routing. The candidate must also be proficient in electronic potting processes, including mixing, degassing, dispensing, and curing two-part epoxies, silicones, or urethanes to ensure waterproofing and environmental protection. A strong understanding of cleanroom procedures, ESD-safe handling practices, and the ability to work to IPC standards is essential.

What You'll Do  

• Support the full lifecycle of electro-mechanical and avionics hardware builds—from assembly through validation testing—ensuring high-quality output that meets tight production schedules and rigorous standards.
• Assemble and test complex electro-mechanical and avionics systems, including PCB assemblies, cable harnesses, and integrated modules, following detailed schematics, MPIs, and all quality and safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot build issues and perform rework as needed, using tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters; collaborate with electrical, RF, and mechanical engineers to resolve failures and integration problems.
• Support engineering validation activities (thermal, EMI/ESD, vibration), and assist with the mechanical integration of electronics into aircraft, including precise PCB mounting, connector installation, and cable routing.
• Maintain manufacturing lines in a clean, organized, and inspection-ready state, following 5S and lean manufacturing practices to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.
• Provide real-time feedback on design, manufacturability, and assembly processes to Manufacturing, Quality, and Design Engineering teams to help improve quality, test coverage, and production efficiency.
• Build, maintain, and troubleshoot custom fixtures; assist with setup and calibration of test stations, and document test results, failure analysis, and process improvements in a clear and repeatable format.
• Draft training materials and support onboarding and skill development for new production technicians, especially around new hardware assembly processes.
• Adapt quickly to shifting priorities across multiple projects, and remain flexible and proactive when working under tight deadlines or extended hours, including weekends when necessary.

Core Requirements

• Demonstrated experience with bonding/potting processes and fine-detail assembly work.
• Comfortable wearing a protective respirator for extended durations as required.
• Strong ability to interpret and execute from complex technical documentation with minimal supervision.
• Quick-thinking, resourceful, and collaborative, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability

What You'll Bring 

• High School diploma or equivalent. 
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in prototyping, assembly, or manufacturing of electro-mechanical components.
• Proven hands-on experience with PCBA mechanical integration, cable routing, and enclosure assembly.
• Extensive experience with electronic potting, including safe handling of adhesives and respirator use.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Direct experience with reading and understanding manufacturing instructions and mechanical drawings with basic understanding of electrical systems.
• High level of craftsmanship and attention to detail married with the ability to work quickly.
• Quality focused mindset with the ability to manage time across multiple competing tasks and priorities.
• Able to lift 30-50 pounds on a daily basis and to maintain a safe working environment.
• A solid understanding of  5S methodology. 
• Able to stand for long periods of time 
• Perform general electrical assembly including soldering, wiring, crimping, and connector installation according to schematics and work instructions.
• Conduct battery cell assembly, handling cells in compliance with safety protocols, and ensuring correct polarity, insulation, and protection mechanisms are applied.
• Execute wirebonding operations (manual and/or automated), ensuring bond integrity, alignment, and cleanliness meet spec.
• Operate and maintain laser cleaning equipment for surface preparation of components prior to bonding or assembly.
• Follow ESD, PPE, and other safety guidelines, especially when working with high-voltage or energy-dense materials.

What Else You Need to Know   

The starting cash range for this role is $28-38/hr. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.