Final Assembly/Prototyping Technician

<h3><strong>About Pyka</strong></h3> <p>Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.</p> <p>To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.&nbsp;</p> <p>We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.</p> <p>Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.&nbsp;</p> <p>What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.&nbsp;</p><div><br></div><div> <h3>Role Overview</h3> <p>Pyka is looking for an Assembly &amp; Prototyping Technician to join our team in Alameda. This is a hands-on, cross-functional role supporting the build, integration, testing, and continued development of our autonomous electric aircraft.</p> <p>You’ll work closely with engineers and other technicians to turn designs into real hardware—assembling mechanical and electrical systems, building and modifying prototype components, troubleshooting issues, and helping improve how our aircraft are built. Depending on the project, you may move between prototype fabrication, precision mechanical assembly, aircraft systems integration, testing, maintenance, and repair.</p> <p>We’re looking for someone who enjoys building things, solving practical problems, learning new skills, and working collaboratively to turn designs into reliable hardware. There isn’t one “right” background for this role—we care about hands-on ability, attention to detail, curiosity, and how you approach problems. Experience can come from aviation, automotive, motorsports, marine, industrial manufacturing, composites, or another hands-on technical environment.</p> </div><h3>Responsibilities</h3> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">Build &amp; Assemble: Assemble mechanical components, structures, and aircraft systems using hand, power, pneumatic, and precision tools.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">Prototype &amp; Fabricate: Work alongside engineers to build, modify, fit, and iterate on prototype parts and assemblies. Depending on experience and project needs, this may include composite layup, bonding, trimming, drilling, grinding, and finishing.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">System Integration: Install and test mechanical and electrical subsystems, including actuators, sensors, wiring, connectors, and other aircraft hardware.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">Troubleshoot &amp; Repair: Diagnose mechanical and basic electrical issues, support aircraft maintenance, and perform repairs or modifications on prototype and test aircraft.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">Collaborate with Engineering: Provide hands-on feedback to engineers on fit, assembly, manufacturability, serviceability, and opportunities to improve designs and build processes.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">Documentation &amp; Process Improvement: Follow and help improve work instructions, assembly guides, test procedures, and maintenance documentation. Document build steps and identify opportunities to make future builds safer, faster, and more repeatable.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">Shop &amp; Material Support: Maintain tools, equipment, supplies, and consumables, and collaborate with Inventory to ensure required parts and materials are available.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;">Safety &amp; Quality: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace while following applicable safety procedures and maintaining a high standard of workmanship.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000;"><br></span></li> <h3>Required Qualifications</h3><div> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Hands-on experience in a technical build, assembly, fabrication, maintenance, or repair environment such as aviation, automotive, motorsports, marine, industrial manufacturing, HVAC, or similar.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Strong mechanical aptitude and an interest in building, understanding, and troubleshooting physical systems.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Proficiency with hand and power tools and the ability to perform precise assembly work safely.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Ability to follow technical instructions, drawings, work instructions, and established processes while maintaining strong attention to detail.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Comfortable working closely with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot problems and develop practical solutions.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Ability to stay organized and adapt as priorities and designs evolve in a collaborative prototyping environment</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Comfortable working in an active shop environment, including using PPE, handling materials and equipment, and performing work requiring manual dexterity.</span></li> </div><h3>Preferred Qualifications</h3><div> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Experience with aircraft assembly, maintenance, integration, or other safety-critical mechanical systems.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Experience with composite fabrication techniques such as wet layup, vacuum bagging, mold preparation, bonding, trimming, or resin systems.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Ability to read and interpret 2D technical drawings and/or work with 3D CAD models.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Basic electrical troubleshooting experience, including using a multimeter and working with wiring, connectors, sensors, or electrical assemblies.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Experience using precision tools such as torque wrenches, calipers, micrometers, and multimeters.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Experience working directly with engineering teams on prototypes, design iterations, or design-for-manufacturability improvements.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">Familiarity with high-voltage safety.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #202124;">FAA A&amp;P certification, progress toward certification, or specialized composite/fabrication training is a plus, but not required.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; background-color: #ffffff;">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.</span></li> </div><h3>Compensation and Benefits</h3><div> <li><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">$35 - $45 hourly wage + equity.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly wage ranges are subject to change.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">FSA with employer matching</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">401(k)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Pre-tax commuter benefits</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks</span></li> </div>