Propulsion Test Technician

Here at Kittyhawk in Palo Alto, we are developing ground breaking all-electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Project Heaviside is Kittyhawk’s latest high-performance electric VTOL vehicle. It is designed to be fast, small, and exceedingly quiet, taking advantage of new possibilities to free people from traffic.

We are seeking a highly motivated engineering technician to join our growing Propulsion test team. This position is a unique opportunity to be involved early in the development of a reliable, electric powertrain and eVTOL propulsion system. As an engineering technician, your role will include fabricating and building test setups, executing durability testing, root causing system-level issues, and processing test data. In addition, you will have an active role in product development by validating the safety and reliability of our products according to KittyHawk standards. A successful candidate for this role must have a strong hands-on background, familiarity with large datasets, as well as the passion and drive to get things done in a dynamic environment. A positive attitude, passion, and self-learner mentality are a must-have. Responsibilities:

• Integration, detailed inspections, maintenance, and retrofits of aircraft assemblies, systems, and subsystems
• Design, fabrication & assembly of electro-mechanical test fixtures
• Run tests: setup, operation, detailed log notes, and data handling
• Root cause and report issues: Document and report issues identified during tests or inspections
• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve mechanical & electrical issues discovered
• Provide detailed written & verbal test status updates
• Support engineering teams in instrumentation and data acquisition setup and logging
• General test equipment maintenance and inventory management
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment

Requirements:

• Experience assembling and setting up hardware test fixtures for aerospace, marine, or automotive applications
• Familiarity with fabrication equipment (e.g. Band Saw, Drill Press)
• Analytical problem-solving skills & root cause analysis
• Experience managing datasets with excel and/or python
• Ability to work well under pressure while managing competing demands and deadlines
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and strong organization skills
• A good attitude and willingness to do time-consuming, meticulous work

Desired:

• 1-5 years of experience with fabrication, testing, and test data management
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
• Knowledge of electronic powertrain or aircraft propulsion systems
• Python: automation and data science experience
• Ability to assemble/design 24v and 500v wire harnesses for test fixtures
• High voltage certification or past work experience

We welcome you to apply even if you don’t match every requirement posted for this role. No one candidate will be a 100% perfect match to our description, so if you are passionate about working on the next evolution in aviation and have similar experience to what we are looking for, we encourage you to apply. Diverse backgrounds and experiences promote innovation and our goal is to build a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
Please note that as of August 15, 2021, all persons working on Kittyhawk company premises must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. Applicants may seek an exception through the reasonable accommodation process.
Our headquarters is in Palo Alto and we offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, unlimited PTO days, 10 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 40% company matching (no vesting period), flight lesson subsidy, education assistance, and company-sponsored social events. For those working onsite, Kittyhawk also offers commuter assistance, and free drinks and snacks.
Kittyhawk provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Kittyhawk abides by applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Kittyhawk is an E-Verify employer.