--- title: 'Electrical Technician - Final Assembly & Test (UAV/Drone Systems) at Seneca' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-technician-final-assembly-test-uav-drone-systems-seneca-sausalito-7js32r7khy57' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-06' --- # Electrical Technician - Final Assembly & Test (UAV/Drone Systems) at Seneca - **Company:** Seneca - **Location:** Sausalito, CA - **Compensation:** $71k–$130k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-08-28 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/seneca/f199986c-c509-4edd-ba7f-2e58b140dcc2 ## Job description ## THE OPPORTUNITY: We are seeking an experienced Electrical Technician to join our production team, responsible for final assembly, wiring, and functional testing of complex unmanned aerial systems (UAS) built for firefighting and other mission-critical applications. This role sits at the intersection of hands-on electromechanical assembly and quality-driven testing, ensuring every drone that leaves our facility meets rigorous performance and safety standards. The ideal candidate has deep experience with UAV or robotics hardware, is comfortable working at the component and system level, and takes pride in precision craftsmanship — from a clean solder joint to a fully validated flight-ready system. ## WHAT YOU’LL DO: - Perform final assembly of of electronics, including wiring harnesses, power distribution systems, flight controllers, motors/ESCs, sensors, and payload electronics - Solder and rework electronic components and connections to a high level of workmanship standards - Crimp and terminate connectors (e.g., JST, Molex, XT, Deans, MOLEX Micro-Fit) for power and signal wiring - Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair printed circuit boards (PCBs) and PCB assemblies (PCBAs) - Conduct functional and systems-level testing of assembled units, including power-on tests, continuity/insulation checks, sensor calibration, motor/ESC verification, and communication link testing - Diagnose and resolve electrical faults using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic equipment - Document test results, non-conformances, and assembly deviations in accordance with quality procedures - Collaborate with engineering to troubleshoot design-for-assembly and design-for-test issues, providing feedback from the production floor - Maintain calibration and organization of tools, test equipment, and workstations - Follow ESD-safe handling procedures for sensitive electronic components - Support root-cause analysis and corrective action processes for recurring build or test issues - Adhere to all safety protocols, particularly those specific to battery handling (LiPo/Li-ion) and high-current systems ## BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: - 5+ years of hands-on experience in electrical/electromechanical assembly, ideally within UAV, robotics, aerospace, or similarly complex electromechanical systems - Demonstrated experience with UAV or robotics platforms (build, integration, repair, or test) - Proficiency in soldering (through-hole and SMT rework) to industry workmanship standards - Strong crimping and wire harness fabrication skills across multiple connector types and gauges - Experience working with and troubleshooting PCBs/PCBAs at the component level - Comfortable reading wiring diagrams, schematics, and assembly drawings - Working knowledge of test and assembly equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, hand tools - Understanding of basic electrical principles (voltage, current, resistance, power distribution) - Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality/documentation discipline - Ability to work independently and manage multiple builds/tests in a fast-paced environment ## PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Experience with flight controllers, ESCs, motors, and UAV communication/telemetry systems - Familiarity with battery systems (LiPo/Li-ion) and associated safety handling procedures - IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification (or working toward) - Experience in a regulated or mission-critical industry (aerospace, defense, public safety equipment) - Familiarity with ESD control programs and cleanroom/controlled assembly environments - Basic experience with ERP/MES systems for build documentation and traceability - Exposure to firefighting, emergency response, or public-safety equipment standards ## PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (with or without reasonable accommodation) - Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a workbench - Manual dexterity sufficient for fine assembly work, including soldering, crimping, and small connector mating - Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs when handling drone units and equipment - Visual acuity sufficient for detailed inspection work, with corrective lenses if needed ## WHAT WE OFFER: - Competitive Salary – Reflective of your skills and experience - Equity Compensation – Be a part-owner in the company’s future - Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans - Health Savings Account (HSA) – Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses - Unlimited PTO – Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays ## About Us Seneca is building cutting-edge drone and sensor technology for wildfire suppression, aiming to eliminate wildfire risk across 500 million acres of high-risk U.S. + allied territory. Backed by top-tier investors, including Convective Capital, Caffeinated Capital, First Round Capital, Slow Ventures, Nextview Ventures, Transition Capital, Bullpen Capital, Stepstone Group, Roar Capital, Offline Ventures, and leaders from Palantir, Google, Meta, and many others, the company has raised $110M in Series A funding and is valued over $500 million. Founded by Stu Landesberg (former Founder & CEO of Grove Collaborative — IPO in 2022 at $1.7B) and fire industry experts, Seneca is a mission-driven company dedicated to climate resilience and fire prevention. Don’t meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply — you may still be the right fit for our team. ## About Seneca ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Seneca builds autonomous aerial systems that detect and suppress wildfires rapidly, using AI, drones, and robotics to protect communities and ecosystems. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series unknown; raised $60M in venture capital) - **Headquarters**: Sausalito, California, USA - **Founded**: Founded in 2022 (as a corporate entity; founding team has prior experience with billions in capital raised and two IPOs) - **Founders**: Stuart Landesberg (CEO) ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Fire Technology / Resilience Technology, Autonomous Systems, Climate Tech / Wildfire Defense - **Target customers**: Fire departments (municipal, county, state), utilities (e.g., power companies), government agencies (federal, state, local), and allied nations. **B2B / Government / Public Sector** - **Mission or purpose statement**: To protect 500 million acres in the U.S. and allied nations by 2035. (“Amor Fati” — love of fate — is a core philosophy, as is the belief that technology is how we create a more resilient civilization.) ## Products & Services - **Autonomous Fire Suppression System**: A complete system of autonomous suppression drones, modular ground cases (for field deployment), and a software platform. Each quadcopter is hand-portable, battery-electric, carries >100 lbs of suppressant (water + Class-A foam concentrate), and pumps at >100 PSI. Drones use AI (computer vision, heat signature recognition) to navigate and knock down fires. The system is offered as a **System-as-a-Service (SaaS) annual subscription**, including hardware, software, maintenance, and support — not a hardware purchase. - **Software / Control Dashboard**: An iOS and web-based interface that allows a single operator to supervise multiple drone swarms simultaneously, coordinate with manned aircraft (via ADS-B transponders), and manage missions from launch to automatic return/refill. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not disclosed (raised $60M in venture capital) - **Key Metric**: **Total Funding: $60M** (the largest venture capital round in fire technology to date) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: - **Lead Investors**: Caffeinated Capital, Convective Capital - **Participating Investors**: First Round Capital, Transition VC, Advance Venture Partners, Nextview Ventures, Bullpen Capital, Stepstone Group, DCVC, Offline Ventures, Roar Capital, Slow Ventures - **Key Partners / Advisory Board**: San Bernardino County Fire (Chief Dan Munsey), Aspen Fire Department (Chief Rick Balentine, 25-year Chief), Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell (former U.S. Fire Administrator), John Mills (Founder/CEO of Watch Duty) - **Growth Signals**: - Secured a **five-year contract** with a public agency (details not fully public; announced in 2025). - Rollout to field during **2026 fire season**. - 34 employees and growing (as of mid-2025). - Strong partnership with major fire agencies across the American West. ## Competitive Advantages - **First-mover in autonomous fire suppression**: The only company building an end-to-end, fully autonomous aerial suppression system from launch to knockdown. - **Speed to initial attack**: Autonomous drones can suppress fires in **under 10 minutes** from dispatch, vs. 30+ minutes for manned aircraft. This is critical for preventing small ignitions from becoming megafires. - **System-of-systems approach**: Drones coordinate among themselves, with manned aircraft, and with a central dashboard. Modular, case-based design for easy field deployment. - **Deep public-sector partnerships**: Developed in collaboration with leading fire agencies, not in a vacuum. This gives them credibility, real-world testing, and a clear go-to-market path. - **Business model**: Annual SaaS subscription provides predictable revenue and ensures customers always have the latest technology. ## Strategic Focus - **Production scaling**: Use the $60M to improve capabilities, harden the overall system, and increase production. - **Field deployment (2026)**: Roll out first systems to save lives during the 2026 fire season. - **Mission expansion**: Grow from initial contracts in the American West to a national/allied-nation footprint, targeting 500 million acres protected by 2035. ## Why Work Here - **High-impact mission**: Opportunity to work on a problem that affects 115 million+ Americans and costs $1T+ per year. The company’s stated goal is to “build technology to protect the things we love.” - **Elite team**: Founding team has built multiple companies, raised billions, and taken two companies public. Backed by world-class investors. - **Fast-paced, high-resource environment**: Designed for exceptional people — “No useless meetings, hierarchy, or office politics.” The team is resourced to move quickly. - **Cross-disciplinary work**: Roles span deep learning (perception), controls, embedded software, iOS development, electrical engineering, UAV test engineering, hardware fabrication, and people operations. - **Office culture**: Based in Sausalito, CA (near San Francisco). **In-office culture** with hybrid flexibility in certain cases. The team is expected to be physically present for hardware/software integration and team collaboration. - **Recent job openings** (as of mid-2025): Senior Deep Learning Engineer, Senior Software Engineer (Controls), Software Engineer (Embedded & iOS), Electrical Engineer, UAV Test Engineer, Hardware Assembly & Fabrication Specialist, Recruitment + People Operations Specialist. ## Sources 1. [Seneca.com Careers](https://seneca.com/careers/) 2. [Seneca Jobs (Ashby)](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/seneca) 3. [PRNewswire - Seneca Launch / Funding](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seneca-launches-with-60-million-to-equip-firefighters-utilities-and-communities-with-advanced-wildfire-defense-technology-302589441.html) 4. [Sacra - Seneca Company Profile](https://sacra.com/c/seneca/) 5. [Built In - Seneca Jobs](https://builtin.com/company/seneca-senecacom/jobs) ## Other roles at Seneca - [Launch Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/launch-program-manager-seneca-sausalito-2w7wp2zgf0jx) — Sausalito, CA - [Manufacturing Operations Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-operations-lead-seneca-sausalito-gngjdq17pa4a) — Sausalito, CA - [Hardware Leader](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-leader-seneca-sausalito-jqgs22qbea1x) — Sausalito, CA - [Software Leader](https://feeny.ai/job/software-leader-seneca-sausalito-q85e6k5w3zn8) — Sausalito, CA - [Hardware Engineer General Interest](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-engineer-general-interest-seneca-sausalito-a9fgpgjhptmq) — Sausalito, CA - [UAV Test Engineer (Systems/Mechatronics)](https://feeny.ai/job/uav-test-engineer-systems-mechatronics-seneca-sausalito-gnpa773d0e27) — Sausalito, CA - [UAS Flight Test Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/uas-flight-test-technician-seneca-sausalito-qydgya8r9gjq) — Sausalito, CA - [Senior Software Engineer (Controls)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-controls-seneca-sausalito-bcbr0v1paqge) — Sausalito, CA