Hardware Technician – Autonomy Data Systems

Hardware Technician – Autonomy Data Systems

South San Francisco, CA (Onsite)

About the Role

We’re looking for a highly capable, hands-on Hardware Technician to join Zipline’s Autonomy Data team. This role sits at the center of our autonomy development pipeline—building and maintaining the specialized hardware platforms that collect the real-world data our aircraft depend on to operate safely.

You’ll own a fleet of custom-built, multi-modal data collection systems deployed on aircraft across the U.S. and globally. These platforms operate day and night, in diverse and challenging environments, capturing the data that powers our perception and autonomy stack.

We’re looking for a versatile builder and problem-solver. Someone who can design, assemble, debug, and continuously improve complex electromechanical systems, and who thrives in fast-moving, high-stakes test environments. You’ll grow into a critical bridge between engineering and operations by supporting field deployments, training operators, and driving execution during complex, high-visibility test campaigns.

What You’ll Do

Own a Fleet of Critical Hardware

• Maintain and continuously improve a fleet of airborne data collection systems
• Diagnose and resolve issues across mechanical, electrical, sensor, and networking domains
• Drive reliability improvements through design iteration, component selection, and process refinement
• Ensure systems are always mission-ready

Support Flight Test & Data Collection

• Troubleshoot issues in real time alongside engineers, operators, and pilots
• Ensure safe, reliable operation of safety-critical systems
• Prepare and validate hardware for lab and field deployments
• Support flight tests locally and occasionally in the field (including Bay Area and limited travel)

Build & Integrate Advanced Test Systems

• Design, assemble, and bring up custom data collection platforms combining mechanical, electrical, and compute systems
• Validate performance and ensure data quality
• Integrate sensors including cameras, LiDAR, radar, GNSS, and onboard compute
• Build wiring harnesses, perform firmware flashing, and execute system bring-up

Documentation & Process Development

• Improve build, test, and deployment processes to scale operations
• Develop data collection methods and onboard new contract pilots
• Create clear assembly guides and troubleshooting workflows
• Maintain part inventories and configuration tracking

What You’ll Bring

• 2–5+ years of hands-on experience in hardware integration, prototyping, or technician roles (robotics, aerospace, automotive, or similar)
• Strong mechanical aptitude: system integration, precision assembly, and fabrication
• Solid electronics fundamentals: harnessing, crimping, soldering, multimeter use
• Comfort working with Linux systems, firmware flashing, and basic networking
• Proven ability to debug complex electromechanical systems methodically
• High attention to detail and a strong sense of ownership in safety-critical environments
• Excellent organization and documentation habits
• Ability to operate independently and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Nice to have:

• Experience with drones or airborne systems
• Familiarity with perception sensors (cameras, LiDAR, radar)
• CAD experience (NX, SolidWorks, Fusion 360)
• FAA Part 107 (or willingness to obtain)

Why This Role Matters

The systems you build will directly enable Zipline’s autonomy. Every dataset captured, every bug fixed, and every improvement you make accelerates our ability to deploy safe, reliable autonomous aircraft at scale.

This is a safety-critical role with real-world impact, you’ll be building the hardware that helps our aircraft see and understand the world.

Who You Are

You’re a jack-of-all-trades builder who enjoys working with bespoke hardware and figuring things out when they don’t work the first time. You take pride in craftsmanship, thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to own systems end-to-end—from bench build to flight test.

What Else You Need to Know  

The starting cash range for this role is $91,000-$104,000 ($44-$50/hour). Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; overtime pay; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state, federal or local law or our other policies.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!