Lead Production Technician

Overview At Auterion, we build the future of drones and autonomous robots. Our US production team assembles and tests autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers, working to tight deadlines and uncompromising quality standards. As a Lead Production Technician, you are our most skilled hands on the build floor. You will assemble and test autonomous systems per specifications and schematics, set the standard for soldering and wiring workmanship, and guide fellow technicians to deliver quality units on schedule. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, certified technician who takes pride in clean workmanship, follows technical instructions precisely, and can coach others. Responsibilities and Duties • Lead Assembly Work: Assemble autonomous systems and related components per specifications, schematics and work instructions. Help plan daily build priorities and keep production on schedule. • Own Soldering and Wiring Quality: Perform and inspect soldering, wiring, harness and mechanical fitting work to certified workmanship standards. Rework or reject non-conforming work. • Train and Mentor Technicians: Coach assembly technicians on soldering, wiring and assembly technique. Check their work, give feedback and help maintain skills and certifications. • Conduct Functional Checks and Troubleshooting: Run initial functionality checks on completed units, troubleshoot issues at the component and wiring level, and escalate complex failures to engineering. • Maintain Accurate Records: Document assembly progress, test results, serial numbers and configuration. Keep build records traceable and complete. • Uphold Quality and Safety: Ensure quality standards and safety protocols are met, including ESD controls, safe handling of batteries and tools, and a clean, organized workstation. • Support Process Improvement: Give engineering and production leadership practical feedback to improve build instructions, tooling, fixtures and yield. • Manage Materials and Equipment: Keep soldering stations, tools and fixtures calibrated and in good order. Track parts, flag shortages and support inventory control. • Support 3D Printing and Fabrication: Use 3D printing and basic CAD to produce fixtures, mounts and small parts as needed. Certifications • Required: Current IPC J-STD-001 (Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies) certification, at least CIS (Certified IPC Specialist) level, or the ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire. • Strongly Preferred: IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies) certification. • Strongly Preferred: IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) certification. • Plus: IPC J-STD-001 or IPC-A-610 CIT (Trainer) credential, or NASA-STD-8739 / military soldering certification. Qualifications and Skills This role demands a blend of hands-on craftsmanship, technical discipline and leadership, in line with our core values: Be Bold, Own the Outcome, and Team Over Players. • Demonstrated Skill: Proven hands-on through-hole and surface-mount soldering, rework and wire termination. Able to show examples of work or pass a practical soldering assessment. • Relevant Experience: Experience in electronics assembly, robotics, RC aircraft or drones, or mechanical assembly. Prior lead, trainer or mentoring experience is a plus. Experience working in an ISO9001 or AS9100 certified manufacturing facility is desired. • Technical Documentation: Able to read and follow technical diagrams, schematics and manuals. • Design and Fabrication Familiarity: Familiarity with 3D printing and basic CAD design. • Troubleshooting: Able to troubleshoot simple electrical and mechanical issues and run basic functionality checks. • Attention to Detail: Consistent, accurate record-keeping and a strong quality mindset. • Reliability: Able to work a full-time, on-site Monday–Friday schedule and meet tight deadlines. Benefits • Flexible working hours • Stock Options • Unlimited PTO • Health Insurance (includes dental & vision) • Medical flex spending • Life Insurance • Retirement Plan – 401k with company match • Enhanced maternity & paternity leave About Auterion We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems. At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you'll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.