Sr. Hardware Test Technician - Full-time

Role Overview Pyka is looking for an experienced Hardware Test Technician with a high level of mechanical skills and technical curiosity to build and operate test equipment supporting the development of its autonomous aircraft systems. This position requires an engaged and collaborative technician with a solid technical foundation.  As a Hardware Test Technician you’ll report to the Head of Reliability and play an active role in the development and validation of our hardware from wheels to wing tips and charging station to rudder servo. You'll work as part of a cross-functional team to gather information from our flight operations staff in the field, collaborate with engineers to develop tests, conceptualize and build test equipment as well as run and document tests and their results.As a startup, we are all about growth. We expect the successful candidate to eventually help grow a team of technicians.

Responsibilities

Fabricating: Build test setups, assemble prototype parts, and upgrade stands and processes. 

Collecting Data: Document tests via written observations, photos/video, and DAQ as appropriate.

Troubleshooting/RCA: Observe and report new failures, track back the issue to the root cause.

Collaborate: with cross-disciplinary teams to define and execute test plans, and within the team to work efficiently and intelligently.

Maintain the testing space and keep equipment operational and orderly.

Maintain a safe environment and your personal safety while working with batteries, high voltage, and spinning motors.

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated technical or engineering fundamentals, gained through formal education, hands-on experience, or a combination of both.

3+ years hands-on work with technical systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Comfort taking initiative and contributing ideas within a team setting.

3+ years fabricating/building/assembly experience in any medium 

Strong attention to detail, an organized approach to troubleshooting, and an interest in continuous improvement.

Basic high voltage safety knowledge and comfortable working on high voltage DC and AC systems.

Experience inspecting and identifying issues in various mechanical and electrical components.

Experience maintaining and upgrading mission-critical systems: follow appropriate inspection and test plans for sensors, actuators and mechanical systems.

Experience reading and building from electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings - drafting or CAD experience are a plus.

General understanding of autonomous vehicles and typical subsystems (instruments, actuators, on-board computers, etc.).

Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of hand and power tools, shop tools, and lab equipment.

A passion for tinkering, high tech, aviation or agriculture is a plus.

We understand that candidates bring different strengths and experiences, and you don’t need to meet every qualification to be considered. If this role excites you, we’d love to learn more about you. You may be a great fit even if your background doesn’t align perfectly with the list.

Compensation and Benefits

S3: $40.00–$51.50 hourly + equity. Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.

Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance

FSA with employer matching

401(k)

Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off

Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks