Hardware Technician

Flagship Pioneering • Boulder, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Hardware Technician to join our small engineering team. This is a critical build and fabrication role supporting the design, assembly, and testing of advanced systems across both our aerial platform and ground-based hardware. You will work on precision mechanical and kinetic engineering challenges — from custom airframe structures and integration of high-performance subsystems to the development of specialized ground equipment and deployment infrastructure. This role demands someone who can move fluidly between detailed fabrication work (CNC machining, 3D printing, composite layup, wiring) and systems-level assembly, all while maintaining exacting standards in a fast-moving, prototype-heavy environment. You will be the technical backbone enabling our engineering team to iterate rapidly, test boldly, and translate concepts into field-ready hardware.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree, vocational/trade certification, or equivalent hands-on training in mechanical technology, manufacturing technology, electronics, or a closely related discipline; extensive practical experience may substitute for formal credentials.
• 2–5 years of hands-on fabrication and assembly experience in a manufacturing, prototyping, R&D, or machine shop environment
• Demonstrated proficiency with CNC machining operations (setup, feeds and speeds, tool selection, workholding, G-code basics); experience with manual lathes or mills is a plus
• Experience with FDM 3D printing including slicing, material selection, print troubleshooting, and post-processing; familiarity with Fusion 360 or similar CAD/CAM software
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and assembly documentation; familiarity with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, depth gauges)
• Experience with electronics assembly, soldering, wiring harnesses, and basic electrical troubleshooting
• Comfortable working in a small, fast-moving startup environment where priorities shift quickly and resourcefulness is as important as technical skill
• Organized and detail-oriented, with a track record of maintaining clean shop environments, clear parts logs, and accurate build documentation

Nice To Haves

• Prior exposure to aerospace/defense prototyping environments, RC plane building or unmanned aircraft, atmospheric instrumentation, PCB prototyping, and assembly is a significant plus
• A builder’s mindset — someone who takes pride in the quality and reliability of what they make, and is energized by the challenge of building hardware that will be deployed in demanding real-world environments.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, wire, and test mechanical design structures and subsystems, including composite and foam structures
• Fabricate and test custom mechanical components using CNC machining, 3D printing (FDM and SLA), hand tooling, and composite lay-up techniques, working from engineering drawings and CAD files (STEP, DXF, STL)
• Support R&D of mechanical and kinetic designs of custom fixtures, actuation mechanisms, and specialized equipment enclosures
• Build and assemble wiring harnesses, power distribution systems, low-voltage subsystems, and electronic subassemblies
• Troubleshoot mechanical failures and fabrication issues, making real-time decisions to resolve problems and maintain build schedules
• Maintain shop equipment, manage parts inventory, and track component status to ensure smooth build workflows and on-time hardware availability
• Inspect finished assemblies for quality, dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and compliance with engineering specifications using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, CMM as needed)
• Collaborate with engineering leads to optimize designs for manufacturability, cost, and field reliability; provide feedback on feasibility and manufacturing constraints early in the design cycle
• Document fabrication processes, maintain build logs, and capture lessons learned to establish repeatable manufacturing procedures and support scaling
• Support field deployment preparation including equipment packing, pre-deployment validation testing, and, when needed, traveling to campaign sites to provide on-site technical support

Benefits

• healthcare coverage
• annual incentive program
• retirement benefits
• a broad range of other benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree