Powertrain Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zipline builds autonomous delivery aircraft and ground systems that operate daily in demanding field environments. Reliable flight hardware begins with exceptional prototype craftsmanship. As an Electronics Engineering Technician specializing in soldering and prototype assembly, you will build, modify, troubleshoot, and repair the electronics that enable rapid development of our Powertrain systems.

The Powertrain organization develops the batteries, motors, motor controllers, power electronics, power distribution systems, wiring harnesses, sensors, and electromechanical hardware that power every Zipline aircraft. You will partner closely with electrical, mechanical, test, and manufacturing engineers to assemble engineering prototypes, perform precision soldering and rework, fabricate custom wiring harnesses, and rapidly iterate hardware throughout the product development lifecycle.

This role is open to technicians at all levels. Responsibilities and ownership will grow with experience, from supporting engineering builds to becoming a subject matter expert in high-reliability electronic assembly, prototype fabrication, and engineering laboratory support.

Support engineering programs from prototype build → assembly → inspection → troubleshooting → rework → validation support.

• Build, modify, troubleshoot, and repair prototype PCBAs supporting Powertrain development.
• Perform precision SMT and through-hole soldering, component replacement, engineering rework, jumper wires, trace repair, and prototype modifications.
• Fabricate custom wiring harnesses including wire preparation, crimping, solder splices, connector assembly, shielding, strain relief, heat shrinking, labeling, and cable routing.
• Assemble electromechanical prototypes including PCBAs, harnesses, batteries, motor controllers, sensors, power electronics, and other engineering hardware.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, assembly drawings, engineering change orders (ECOs), and bills of materials.
• Inspect solder joints, crimps, connectors, and assemblies to high-reliability workmanship standards while identifying defects and recommending improvements.
• Perform continuity testing, insulation resistance testing, hipot testing, and basic functional verification of engineering hardware.
• Support engineers during prototype bring-up, debugging, root cause investigations, and rapid design iterations.
• Maintain soldering stations, microscopes, crimp tooling, harness equipment, and laboratory organization to support efficient engineering development.
• Develop and improve assembly documentation, work instructions, fixture concepts, and standard operating procedures.
• Support laboratory inventory, consumables, calibration, and prototype hardware tracking.
• Promote safe handling of ESD-sensitive electronics, lithium batteries, and high-voltage electrical systems.

• Experience building, modifying, or repairing electronic assemblies, PCBAs, wiring harnesses, or electromechanical systems appropriate to your experience level.
• Excellent hand soldering skills for SMT and through-hole electronics.
• Experience performing electronic rework using soldering irons, hot-air rework stations, microscopes, and precision rework equipment.
• Experience fabricating high-quality wiring harnesses including crimping, soldering, connector assembly, shielding, and cable management.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and assembly documentation.
• Familiarity with multimeters, oscilloscopes, continuity testers, hipot equipment, power supplies, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of ESD controls, high-reliability electronic assembly practices, and prototype workmanship.
• IPC certifications such as IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, or IPC-7711/7721 are preferred, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Strong attention to detail with pride in producing clean, reliable, flight-quality hardware.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

The starting hourly range for this role is $42 - $52. This role includes overtime eligibility, stock options and full time benefits.Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!