--- title: 'Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician (eVTOL) at Odys Aviation' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/lead-aircraft-maintenance-technician-evtol-odys-aviation-long-beach-rtjsy0japddp' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-13' --- # Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician (eVTOL) at Odys Aviation - **Company:** Odys Aviation - **Location:** Long Beach, CA - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-06-24 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/odys-aviation/20ff1631-6e30-4415-aa81-a3c50cdefb22 ## Job description ## About Odys At Odys, we’re mobilizing power, with Hybrid Power Systems developed for aerospace and in-demand everywhere. It’s the kind of mission diversity that demands a fresh way of thinking. We began with an early bet on hybrid, when the mobility industry was focused on batteries. We designed, tested, and validated our first 1 MW high-speed generator in 12 months. And then we pushed further, developing systems with greater power density in less time. Today, our Hybrid Power Systems offer outputs ranging from 20 kW to 4 MW, with applications in the air or on the ground. One of those applications is Laila, an unmanned drone designed for critical logistics and defense missions. With its 100 kW-class onboard Hybrid Power System, Laila can support medical cold-chain transport or serve as an aerial platform for counter-UAS measures. The market interest has been overwhelming: Over 30 inbound requests from leading US and global manufacturers, and 14+ DoD contracts. Our team comes from deep tech and aerospace, with backgrounds spanning drone and aircraft development, high-volume production, and electrified mobility. We operate with urgency and ownership at every level. We validated high-speed generator technology faster than our peers, not because we skipped steps, but because we've been doing this long enough to know which ones matter most. Creating the future of power, in the air and on the ground, is a challenge we’ve been training our entire lives for. If that sounds like you, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Odys is looking for a highly skilled Lead Maintenance Technician with a strong avionics background to join our team as a Crew Chief. In this role, you will bridge the gap between development engineering and flight operations. You will be responsible for the fabrication, installation, and troubleshooting of complex avionics systems on our eVTOL aircraft, with a specific focus on integrating mission-critical payloads (sensors, cameras, communications). You will also be responsible for airframe level inspections and maintenance. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with high-voltage electric propulsion systems, has the adaptability required for a rapid-prototyping, flight-test environment, and has previous military rotorcraft avionics technician background. ## Key Responsibilities 1. Avionics & Electrical Fabrication - Fabricate, route, and terminate complex aircraft wiring harnesses (crimping, soldering, shielding). - Read and interpret engineering schematics, wiring diagrams, and interconnect drawings to build and install avionics suites. - Perform modifications and repairs to existing electrical and mechanical systems during flight test campaigns. 1. Payload Integration - Lead the mechanical and electrical integration of diverse payloads, including EO/IR cameras, LiDAR, Radar, and experimental communication links. - Fabricate custom interface cables for non-standard payloads to interface with the aircraft's CAN bus, Ethernet, or serial (RS-232/422) networks. - Troubleshoot data and power issues between the Flight Control System (FCS) and auxiliary payloads. - Work with the engineering team to design temporary mounting solutions for rapid testing. 1. eVTOL & High Voltage (HV) Systems - Safely install and maintain High Voltage (HV) distribution systems, including cabling, busbars, and connectors for electric propulsion units. - Assist in the integration and checkout of Battery Management Systems (BMS) and motor controllers/inverters. - Execute pre-flight and post-flight checks on avionics and electric propulsion systems. 1. Mechanical Systems & Airframe Maintenance - Inspect, service, and repair eVTOL airframe structures, including composite panels, booms, and motor mounts, in accordance with engineering specifications and maintenance manuals. - Remove, install, and rigorously inspect electric propulsion motors, rotor assemblies, and drive components for wear, damage, or misalignment. - Perform routine and unscheduled maintenance on landing gear, flight control surfaces, and associated mechanical linkages. - Apply precision torque techniques and hardware installation practices (safety wire, thread-locking compounds, and fastener control) per applicable standards. - Conduct structural inspections for cracks, delamination, corrosion, and foreign object damage (FOD), escalating findings to engineering as appropriate. - Support ground handling operations including aircraft towing, tie-down, and hangar configuration. - Maintain tooling calibration records and ensure all ground support equipment (GSE) is serviceable prior to use. 1. Testing & Documentation - Perform continuity checks, insulation resistance tests, and power-on system validation. - Document all work performed, including harness build logs, red-lining schematics for engineering updates, and maintaining configuration control. - Collaborate with Flight Test Engineers to troubleshoot anomalies discovered during ground and flight operations. - Support the development and implementation of aircraft maintenance and operations documents. 1. Operational Leadership - Aircraft Maintenance Management: Lead engineering and technical support teams to perform all levels of maintenance. Responsible for maintaining aircraft configuration and all associated documentation. - Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Management: Manage Mega-Watt Charging Stations. Understanding thermal management of chargers and liquid cooling carts is vital. - Quick-Turn Optimization: eVTOL business models rely on 10–15 minute turnarounds. Experience running a pit crew-style operation (simultaneous charging, loading, and inspection) is required. - Safety Management Systems (SMS): Experience actively participating in an SMS (reporting hazards, risk mitigation) is desired. Required Qualifications - FAA A&P Certificate: An Airframe & Powerplant license is required. - 3+ years of experience in avionics, aerospace electrical systems, or complex unmanned systems — military training and equivalent experience will be considered. - Hands-on proficiency in soldering, crimping (Mil-Spec), and harness building. - Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings. - Familiarity with standard test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, milliohm meters). - High School Diploma or GED required; A&P License or military avionics training highly preferred. Desired Qualifications - Inspection Authorization (IA): Highly desirable for a Chief role, allowing you to sign off on major repairs and annual inspections. - Part 135 & 145 Experience: Experience in these regulated environments is often preferred over general aviation (Part 91). Or equivalent experience in a military role. - eVTOL/UAV Knowledge: Demonstrated experience working with electric propulsion, lithium-ion battery integration, or hybrid-electric architectures. - Technical Skills: High proficiency in soldering, crimping (Mil-Spec), and harness building. Familiarity with standard test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, milliohm meters). - Technical Skills: Familiar with troubleshooting complex aircraft mechanical and electrical systems. - Documentation: Ability to read and red-line complex electrical schematics and mechanical drawings. ## Preferred Qualifications - Familiar with IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards. - Experience working with High Voltage energy systems - Background in R&D or flight test environments. - Knowledge of communication protocols (CAN, ARINC 429, Ethernet, Serial). - Experience integrating C2 (Command and Control) datalinks and mesh radios. - Associate degree in Avionics Technology, Electronics or Aircraft Maintenance. Physical Requirements & Work Environment - Ability to work around high-voltage systems (training will be provided, but safety consciousness is mandatory). - Ability to stand, bend, and work in tight spaces within an airframe for extended periods. - Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. - Willingness to travel to flight test ranges if required (up to 75% travel). The majority of time in this role will be spent onsite at our flight test range in Buttonwillow, CA. ## About Odys Aviation ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Odys Aviation builds long-range, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for defense, logistics, and civil applications, enabling runway-independent operations with significant payload and endurance. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series A) - **Headquarters**: Long Beach, California, United States - **Founded**: 2022 - **Founders**: Tadeh Avetian (Co‑Founder and Advisor); other founders not publicly listed (the team includes experts from GoogleX, Hyperloop, Volvo, and Fisker Automotive) ## Core Business - **Primary industries**: Aerospace & Aviation, Defense, Logistics - **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, commercial cargo operators, humanitarian/NGOs, regional airlines (B2B, Government, Enterprise) - **Mission**: “To connect people and goods in ways that truly solve real-world challenges and open new possibilities for the future of flight.” ## Products & Services - **Laila**: Tactical VTOL drone with a 450‑mile range, 130‑lb payload, and multi‑hour endurance. Designed for defense, logistics, and emergency medical transport. Flies today. - **Alta**: Larger VTOL cargo aircraft with a 1,200‑mile range, 3,500‑lb capacity, and dual flexible cargo capability. Aimed at regional logistics and passenger travel. Certification following Laila. - Both platforms use **hybrid‑electric propulsion** and a patented **flap‑based thrust vectoring** system (replaces tilt rotors for simpler certification). ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed - **Total Funding**: $43.6 million (across pre‑seed, seed, and Series A rounds) - Pre‑Seed (Jul 2021): $3.5M from 7 investors - Seed (Feb 2022): $12.4M from 12 investors (after Y Combinator) - Series A (Nov 2025): $26M led by Nova Threshold with 3 investors - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Y Combinator, Nova Threshold, U.S. Department of Defense (Phase II contract), Sultanate of Oman (2026 evaluation program) - **Growth Signals**: - Headcount: 44 employees (+61.3% year‑over-year as of mid‑2026) - Over $9 billion in Letters of Intent and pre‑orders - Completed first full‑scale Laila prototype flight campaign and full transition flight test - First test of Alta’s 1MW generator, a hybrid‑electric propulsion breakthrough - 13 active job postings; quarterly hiring trend +62.5% ## Competitive Advantages - **Flap‑based thrust vectoring** – simpler, more certifiable than tilt‑rotor designs while enabling VTOL and efficient cruise. - **Hybrid‑electric propulsion** – delivers superior range, payload, and endurance compared to pure electric VTOL aircraft. - **Dual‑use strategy** – serves both military and commercial markets from a single platform, accelerating adoption and funding. - **Early flight‑proven hardware** – Laila is flying today; full transition flight validated, reducing certification risk. ## Strategic Focus - Scale full‑scale flight testing and manufacturing readiness. - Advance certification programs for both Laila and Alta. - Expand international launch operations (e.g., Oman partnership). - Continue winning DoD contracts and penetrating defense/logistics verticals. - Build engineering team (propulsion, avionics, robotics, mission systems). ## Why Work Here - **Culture & Values**: Emphasize “Details Matter”, “Build With Tenacity”, “Support The Team”, “Keep Your Promises”, and “Balance Audacity With Pragmatism”. Safety is the north star. - **Team**: Composed of experienced aerospace engineers from Airbus, SpaceX, Boeing, and other top programs; described as “not average” with a focus on first‑principles engineering. - **Work Environment**: Collaborative office and hangar spaces in Long Beach built for productivity and wellbeing. On‑site presence expected (no explicit remote policy advertised). Regular company events and team social hours. - **Perks**: Competitive salaries, generous stock options, comprehensive health & wellness benefits. Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge aircraft from concept through certification and production. - **Growth**: Rapidly scaling company with significant room for impact; employees can shape products and processes early. ## Sources 1. [odysaviation.com](https://www.odysaviation.com/) – Company homepage, product details, mission 2. [odysaviation.com/careers](https://www.odysaviation.com/careers) – Careers page, values, culture, benefits 3. [odysaviation.com/about](https://www.odysaviation.com/about) – Timeline, leadership team, funding milestones, DoD contracts 4. [linkedin.com/company/odys-aviation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/odys-aviation) – Headcount growth, funding total, employee breakdown, open roles 5. [ycombinator.com/companies/odys-aviation](https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/odys-aviation) – Y Combinator profile, founder background, early contracts ## Other roles at Odys Aviation - [Senior Mechanical Design Engineer [Propulsion]](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-design-engineer-propulsion-odys-aviation-long-beach-3fk3ew10v7mg) — Long Beach, CA - [Composite Technician - Airframe](https://feeny.ai/job/composite-technician-airframe-odys-aviation-long-beach-ymyghw94fb1x) — Long Beach, CA - [Mechanical Engineering Intern/Co-Op [Propulsion]](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineering-intern-co-op-propulsion-odys-aviation-long-beach-89vsba1eprcc) — Long Beach, CA - [Mechanical Technician - Powerplant](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-technician-powerplant-odys-aviation-long-beach-mc5xhvtsreet) — Long Beach, CA - [Staff Propulsion Controls & Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-propulsion-controls-software-engineer-odys-aviation-long-beach-ccef4qmsfd0v) — Long Beach, CA - [Mission Systems Integration Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/mission-systems-integration-engineer-odys-aviation-long-beach-nn4n1tjnc0sp) — Long Beach, CA - [Mission Operations Specialist (UAS Pilot)](https://feeny.ai/job/mission-operations-specialist-uas-pilot-odys-aviation-long-beach-p5fryq1trxe4) — Long Beach, CA - [Sr. Power Electronics Hardware Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-power-electronics-hardware-engineer-odys-aviation-long-beach-r49kkj626twy) — Long Beach, CA - [Systems Engineering and Integration Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineering-and-integration-intern-odys-aviation-long-beach-6q1z83cqzsjf) — Long Beach, CA - [Robotics & Embedded Systems Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/robotics-embedded-systems-intern-odys-aviation-long-beach-pxeqqn4pv0ea) — Long Beach, CA