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Defense Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Singularity Defense

R&D Technician

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Aerospace & Defense R&D Technician We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed ...

Sentradel

Guidance and Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $190K/yr

Sentradel is a defense startup in San Francisco building autonomous, low cost kinetic turret systems designed to defeat Group 1 (small FPV drones) and low flying Group 2 drone threats. We have shot ...

Sentradel

Head of Manufacturing

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

Sentradel is a defense startup in San Francisco building autonomous, low cost kinetic turret systems designed to defeat Group 1 (small FPV drones) and low flying Group 2 drone threats. We have shot ...

Sentradel

Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $170K/yr

Sentradel is a defense startup in San Francisco building autonomous, low cost kinetic turret systems designed to defeat Group 1 (small FPV drones) and low flying Group 2 drone threats. We have shot ...

Singularity Defense Corp.

Planner/ Inventory Manager

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

We are an Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and ...

Sentradel

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$105K - $170K/yr

Sentradel is a defense startup in San Francisco building autonomous, low cost kinetic turret systems designed to defeat Group 1 (small FPV drones) and low flying Group 2 drone threats. We have shot ...

Sentradel

Computer Vision Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $210K/yr

Sentradel is a defense startup in San Francisco building autonomous, low cost kinetic turret systems designed to defeat Group 1 (small FPV drones) and low flying Group 2 drone threats. We have shot ...

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Infographic showing various Defense Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

R&D Technician

Singularity Defense

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Aerospace & Defense R&D Technician

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and top-tier Silicon Valley firms. We're assembling a high urgency team committed to moving fast, solving hard problems, and defending what matters most. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

Role Overview

As an R&D technician, you will be at the forefront of our company's critical operations in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You will take ownership of prototyping, machining, assembly, testing, and fabrication operations, ensuring attention to detail and proper documentation as we develop next-generation military equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Fabrication Skills

  • Work closely with engineering to fabricate prototypes, build and operate systems while ensuring adherence to specifications, quality standards, and safety protocols.
  • Collaborate with engineering to improve designs through rapid iteration to refine manufacturing techniques.
  • Participate in design reviews, providing input on long term manufacturability, available resources, and design improvements.
  • Autonomously spec, source, and commission equipment, research new best practices, coordinate resources, and report project status.
  • Support critical system testing and validation efforts, ensuring products meet performance and reliability requirements. Some of these efforts will require off-site travel.

Team Development

  • Build, lead, and mentor a team of ambitious, quality-focused technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence, teamwork, and accountability.
  • Develop and document best practices for machining, fabrication, assembly, and quality inspection.
  • Identify and resolve technical challenges, implementing corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Train and upskill technicians on new processes, tools, and industry best practices.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment
Who You Are
  • You thrive in ambiguity and enjoy solving hard problems with limited resources.
  • You believe quality and speed are not mutually exclusive.
  • You take ownership and drive continuous improvement without waiting for permission.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years in a high-performance manufacturing or R&D environment with experience in multiple of the following areas: fabrication, machining, welding, pneumatic/hydraulic systems, test processes, test stand development.
  • Deep understanding of aerospace-grade production/quality standards and a demonstrated track record of enforcing them.
  • Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications & processes.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to technical challenges.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build and coordinate a high-performing team.
  • Experience developing complex systems from scratch and the corresponding manufacturing processes
  • Experience in aerospace, nuclear, defense, or advanced manufacturing industries.
  • Knowledge of materials science, precision machining, and quality inspection techniques.
  • Hands-on experience with fluid, gas, or high-voltage systems.
  • Experience with automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
  • Background in process optimization and lean manufacturing principles.
  • Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and manufacturing planning systems.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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