Internship Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

The Production Technician is responsible for the hands-on assembly, manufacturing, redress, preventive maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, testing, and sustainment of autonomous Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGV).

This role supports the complete equipment lifecycle, including new system builds, equipment redress, scheduled preventive maintenance, corrective repairs, component replacement, system upgrades, configuration changes, functional testing, and final quality inspections.

The Production Technician will primarily support autonomous drone platforms and will also support our autonomous ground vehicle designed for internal wind turbine inspections. Responsibilities may include the assembly, redress, maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing of systems and associated components.

The Production Technician works closely with Sustainment, Engineering, Autonomy, Product Management, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to ensure equipment is built, maintained, tested, and returned to operational readiness in accordance with established quality, safety, and production requirements.

Essential Functions

• UAS & UGV Manufacturing
  • Perform hands-on assembly and integration of autonomous UAS and UGV systems.
  • Support new-build production of autonomous platforms.
  • Perform mechanical, electrical, electronic, and system-level assembly.
  • Install and integrate sensors, cameras, LiDAR, telemetry systems, flight-control components, batteries, and other vehicle subsystems.
  • Follow engineering drawings, work instructions, bills of materials, and established manufacturing processes.
  • Support engineering changes, product upgrades, and system configuration changes.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient production workspace.
• Equipment Redress & Maintenance
  • Perform redress of returned or previously deployed UAS and UGV systems.
  • Inspect equipment for damage, wear, and potential component failures.
  • Perform preventive maintenance and scheduled sustainment activities.
  • Perform corrective maintenance and component replacement as required.
  • Disassemble, repair, replace, and reassemble components to return equipment to operational readiness.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, firmware, sensor, communication, and system integration issues.
  • Maintain accurate records of repairs, maintenance, component replacements, and equipment configuration.
  • Identify recurring equipment issues and communicate findings to Engineering and Production leadership.
  • Support the assembly and manufacturing of all autonomous systems.
  • Perform redress, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs on all equipment.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, software, sensor, and communication issues.
  • Support system integration and functional testing.
  • Provide feedback on equipment performance, reliability, serviceability, and maintenance requirements.
• Testing & Quality
  • Perform functional testing and system checks following assembly, repair, or maintenance.
  • Support flight and operational testing as required.
  • Verify equipment meets established quality and operational standards prior to release.
  • Identify and document non-conformances and equipment defects.
  • Follow established inspection, testing, and quality procedures.
  • Ensure all work is completed accurately and according to approved procedures.
• Technical Troubleshooting
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment issues using technical documentation, test equipment, and established troubleshooting procedures.
  • Work with Engineering and Autonomy teams to resolve complex technical issues.
  • Support troubleshooting of firmware, software, communication, and system integration issues.
  • May assist with root-cause investigation and provide detailed feedback regarding equipment failures to Engineering and Sustainment.
  • Escalate issues that cannot be resolved within established procedures.
• Production & Sustainment Support
  • Support daily production and sustainment priorities.
  • Complete assigned new-build, redress, maintenance, and repair activities according to established schedules.
  • Communicate progress, issues, and material needs to Production leadership.
  • Maintain accurate production and maintenance records.
  • Assist with inventory control and identification of required replacement parts and materials.
  • Support continuous improvement activities focused on quality, efficiency, reliability, and cost reduction.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Properly handle, charge, store, and maintain lithium-ion batteries in accordance with established procedures.
  • Follow established safety protocols when working with UAS, UGVs, batteries, tools, and production equipment.
  • Support compliance with applicable FAA requirements and company procedures related to UAS operations and testing.
  • Report unsafe conditions, equipment damage, or potential hazards immediately.
• Training & Documentation
  • Complete required training and maintain qualifications for assigned production and maintenance activities.
  • Follow standard operating procedures, work instructions, engineering documentation, and maintenance procedures.
  • Maintain accurate records of production, redress, repair, maintenance, and testing activities.
  • Provide feedback to improve work instructions, standard operating procedures, and technical documentation.
  • Participate in cross-training to develop skills across UAS and UGV platforms.

Job Requirements

• Strong hands-on mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Experience with assembly, disassembly, repair, redress, preventive maintenance, or troubleshooting.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings, schematics, work instructions, and bills of materials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to prioritize and complete assigned work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Safety-conscious and committed to following established procedures.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and support multiple autonomous platforms.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with UAS, drones, robotics, autonomous systems, or complex electromechanical systems preferred.
• Experience with drone flight testing and technical troubleshooting.
• Experience with firmware and software troubleshooting.
• Experience with lithium-ion battery systems.
• FAA Part 107 certification or UAS operational experience.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work with equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive assembly, repair, and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer may be required.
• Ability to work in a production environment and outdoors when required.
• Ability to work safely around operating UAS, UGVs, batteries, tools, and production equipment.

Location & Logistics:

• This role is located in the SkySpecs Ann Arbor headquarters.
• Relocation: This position does not offer financial support for relocation.
• Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently located in the United States and legally authorized to work in the United States for this employer now and in the future, without the need for visa sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
• Compensation: Base salary dependent on experience and location. Position is eligible for discretionary annual bonus.

SkySpecs is an equal opportunity employer. SkySpecs does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.