Job Description

Production Technician II - Lead

A Production Technician II – Lead will support and guide manufacturing operations by coordinating team activities, ensuring production efficiency, assembling components, and upholding quality and safety standards. This is a working lead position, combining hands-on production responsibilities with team leadership and oversight. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical skills, leadership capability, and the ability to drive team performance in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead a team Production Technicians, providing daily hands-on support to develop and mentor team members.

• Ensure the team has necessary raw materials, tools, consumables, and equipment to meet daily deliverables.

• Monitor and report on quality metrics to support continuous improvement and adherence to standards.

• Verify technician timecards for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with organizational requirements; review and approve timecards in Paychex and NetSuite.

• Track training and skill development within the team to maintain required levels of skillset redundancy across assemblies.

• Identify, resolve, and escalate roadblocks or production issues, acting as a liaison between the Production Technicians and the Production Supervisor.

• Drive improvements in production efficiency by monitoring labor hours charged to assemblies relative to output.

• Remain actively involved in personal production work alongside the team.

• Support the manufacturing team with the fabrication of composite parts and/or electromechanical assemblies.

• Follow written work instructions to assemble and document the build of each assembly.

• Escalate any process or quality issues to appropriate stakeholders.

• Offer suggestions to improve safety, quality, on-time delivery, and productivity.

• Build and set up test equipment.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• 2+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Quick learner, hard-working, with skilled hands and strong attention to detail.

• Technical hands-on capability, including but not limited to wiring, soldering, parts fabrication, assembly, and general shop maintenance.

• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor peers in a production setting.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills; able to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with basic hand tools and their safe operation.

• Ability to verbally communicate, read and comprehend work instructions, and perform basic mathematical calculations.

• Strong work ethic, reliability, and consistent attendance.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Valid driver’s license.

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

• Willingness to work overtime as required.

• Able to work onsite at ESAero office locations and relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in composite fabrication.

• Experience assembling and/or testing complex electromechanical assemblies.

• Experience with parts and inventory management.

• SLO Partners UAV Completion Certificate.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.

• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.

• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.

• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.

• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.

• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel

the aerospace industry forward.

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**

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ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.   
Must be able to pass background check and drug test. 
Hiring Range: $28-$33/hr Hourly/Non-Exempt