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Aerospace R&D Technician

Swarm Aero · Oxnard, CAtoday

Develop and optimize composite manufacturing processes and fabricate/test aircraft components for swarming UAVs.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Hands-on composite fabrication and process development at a fast-moving defense startup with equity.

Might not be for you. Heavy hands-on fabrication, less open-ended R&D; ITAR restricts to US persons.

Mostly at the benchHands-on executionFast-paced First industry roleBS acceptable

Adjacent materials roledevelop, test, and improve composite manufacturing processes; hand layup, prepreg, bonding; cure kinetics; material characterization

Seniority
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Industry
Aerospace
Role
R&D / Research
Benefits
equitydaily catered lunchmonthly wellness stipend

Role details

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

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Common questions

Where is the Aerospace R&D Technician role at Swarm Aero based?

This role is based in Oxnard, CA.

What degree is required for the Aerospace R&D Technician role at Swarm Aero?

This role requires a Not specified.

What polymers or materials does this Aerospace R&D Technician role work with?

Composites.

What techniques or methods are required for this Aerospace R&D Technician role?

Mechanical testing.