Saalex is seeking an Engineering Technician, IV in Ridgecrest, CA (China Lake). to provide technical support for the assembly, integration, testing, operation, maintenance, and sustainment of small weaponized Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This position performs complex technical tasks with minimal supervision and serves as a key contributor supporting prototype development, system readiness activities, flight test operations, and engineering evaluations. The Engineering Technician III works closely with government engineers, program personnel, and other technicians to ensure successful execution of developmental and operational test objectives.

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $29.95-$36.00 per hour

Work Location: Fully onsite

Essential Functions:

• Lead the integration, operation, maintenance, modification, and sustainment of small weaponized UAS systems.
• Provide technical leadership for prototype development, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and engineering investigations.
• Plan and execute system testing, readiness assessments, and operational evaluations.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, electronic, and integration issues.
• Support flight test events, data collection efforts, and technical reporting activities.
• Review engineering documentation, technical procedures, and configuration changes for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate with Government engineers, program managers, and technical teams to ensure successful mission execution.
• Mentor engineering technicians and provide subject matter expertise across assigned programs.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

Required:

• Extensive experience assembling, integrating, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining complex mechanical, electrical, or electronic systems.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve advanced system integration and operational issues.
• Experience supporting prototype development, testing, engineering evaluations, or system modifications.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Experience leading technical efforts, maintenance activities, or engineering support projects.
• Ability to travel in support of military test events.

Desired:

• Experience supporting weaponized UAS programs.
• Experience supporting DoD developmental or operational test programs.
• Prior military aviation maintenance, UAS operations, aerospace engineering support, or weapons systems experience
• Experience leading technical teams or serving as a technical lead.
• FAA Part 107 certification or related UAS qualification.

Education/Years of Experience:

Associates degree and 2-4 years of progressive experience required OR HS Diploma/GED required and 4-6 years of relevant experience.

Security Clearance:

Active Secret or Interim Secret clearance required. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources
• Stock Option Benefit