Prototyping Technician II
Pyka
Alameda, CA, USA
Posted on Mar 13, 2026
About Pyka
Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.
To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.
We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.
What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Pyka is seeking a Prototyping Technician to join our team in Alameda. This is a unique, cross-functional role that sits at the intersection of complex composite fabrication and precision mechanical assembly. You will be a key builder of our next-generation autonomous aircraft, moving fluidly between the layup table and the assembly floor.
We are looking for a teammate who finds satisfaction in the "how" of building—someone who enjoys solving puzzles, working with their hands, and collaborating with engineers to turn a digital design into a flying reality. Whether you are coming from an aviation, automotive, marine, or creative fabrication background, we value your craftsmanship and your perspective.
Responsibilities
- Fabricate & Assemble: Lay up composite parts using wet layup and vacuum consolidation techniques, ensuring high-quality bond integrity and finish.
- Iterative Prototyping: Collaborate with engineers to build "first-of-their-kind" parts, providing constructive feedback on design-for-manufacturability to improve future builds.
- Precision Finishing: Trim, fit, and assemble composite components with a high attention to detail, using a variety of hand and power tools.
- System Integration: Assist in the installation and testing of mechanical and electrical subsystems, including actuators, sensors, and wire harnesses.
- Fleet Support: Conduct structural repairs and scheduled maintenance on test aircraft to ensure the fleet remains mission-ready.
- Shop Stewardship: Maintain a safe, organized, and inclusive workspace, following all safety protocols for VOCs and high-voltage systems.
- Documentation: Contribute to the development of assembly guides and maintenance manuals by documenting build steps and identifying areas for process improvement.
Required Qualifications
- Hands-on Technical Experience: Demonstrated experience in a build or repair environment (composites, aviation, automotive, marine, or similar technical trades).
- Tool Proficiency: Comfortable and safe using a variety of pneumatic, power, and hand tools for precision drilling, grinding, and assembly.
- Collaborative Mindset: Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on clear communication and a "team-first" attitude.
- Attention to Detail: Ability to follow complex technical instructions and maintain high standards of quality and safety.
- Adaptability: A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to stay organized in a fast-paced prototyping environment.
- Physical Dexterity: Comfort working in a shop environment, including handling materials, utilizing PPE, and performing tasks that require manual precision.
Preferred Qualifications
- Composite Expertise: 1+ years of experience with vacuum bagging, mold prep, and various resin systems.
- Technical Literacy: Ability to read and interpret 2D technical drawings or interact with 3D CAD models.
- System Troubleshooting: Basic understanding of electrical systems, including using a multimeter or inspecting wiring and connectors.
- Safety Knowledge: Familiarity with high-voltage safety or experience working with safety-critical mechanical systems.
- Continuous Improvement: Experience providing feedback to engineering teams to help refine parts or assembly processes.
- Certifications: FAA A&P certification or specialized composite training is a plus, but not required.
- We understand that candidates bring different strengths and experiences, and you don’t need to meet every qualification to be considered. If this role excites you, we’d love to learn more about you. You may be a great fit even if your background doesn’t align perfectly with the list.
Compensation and Benefits
- $34.50 - 39 per hour + equity. Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly wage ranges are subject to change.
- Employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance
- FSA with employer matching
- 401(k) plan
- Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
- Voluntary short-term disability and life insurance
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks
Export Control Requirements
This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.
Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.
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We do not work with external recruiters; if you are an external recruiter, please do not reach out.