Engineering Technician II

Ridgecrest, California, US on site Until 9/27/2026 2+ years exp First posted July 29, 2026 Last posted July 29, 2026
Job description

Saalex is seeking an Engineering Technician, II 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: $21.61-$24.16 per hour

Work Location: Fully onsite

Essential Functions:

  • The candidate shall perform life-cycle support of small-weaponized UAS, beginning with existing designs and collections of parts, constructing the prototype systems from kits, and existing designs, repairing and maintaining prototypes to ensure operational readiness, performing readiness testing, and operating the prototypes in various test environments.
  • This support requires soldering, mechanical assembly, electronic assembly, assembly tool operation and maintenance, and prototype operation.
  • The candidate shall work with government engineers and technicians to ensure correct operation of the constructed system prototypes.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

Required:

  • Candidate must possess reasonable communication skills (writing/verbal).
  • Candidate must take direction and be able to work independently, as well as within a team environment.
  • Must be able and willing to travel to support military test events.

Education:

HS Diploma or GED and 2 years of experience required.

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
About this role

Summary

Support assembly, testing, and maintenance of small UAV prototypes, working with engineers in a team environment.

Job title

Engineering Technician II

Experience level

2+ years

Minimum experience

2+ years exp

Industry

defense

Location requirements

on-site in Ridgecrest, CA; fully onsite work allowed

Salary

$22k–$48k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

communicationwork independentlyteamworktravel

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

assemblytestingelectronicsmechanical
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Ridgecrest, CA 93555, USA

On-site City