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Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

AV is seeking an experienced Test Operations Lead to support multiple programs within our Space Technologies Division, part of the Labs sector. The division specializes in developing high reliability optomechanical and electrical systems, including the techniques, subsystems, and design elements that enable mission success in space environments.

In this role, you will oversee the planning, execution, and support of testing activities across several programs, ensuring technical excellence, compliance with quality standards, and on-time delivery. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in electrical and environmental testing, a strong knowledge of spaceflight hardware, cleanroom procedures, and quality management systems, and proven leadership in supervising and supporting test technicians.

On any given day the selected candidate may be asked to perform the following:

+ Oversee and maintain the integration and test (I&T) team's workflow by managing schedules, utilizing MES and planning systems, and coordinating with manufacturing and program management teams.

+ Provide day-to-day supervision of test technicians, including task assignments, training and hands-on support.

+ Manage test documentation and travelers for the I&T team, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program and quality standards.

+ Support the procurement and inventory management of test-related materials, including consumables, tools, supplies, and maintaining equipment calibration schedules.

+ Contribute to resource and personnel planning activities in support of new programs.

+ Demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills when working with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, program management, and technicians **.**

Required Education and Experience:

+ Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering or technical field; experience in lieu of education may be considered.

+ Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role.

+ Hands-on experience operating test equipment, including thermal chambers, vibration tables, ovens, oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, and data acquisition systems.

+ Familiarity with the safe use of common hand tools and equipment in a lab or test environment.

+ Proficient in standard business software, including Microsoft Office Suite.

+ Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance

Preferred Education and Experience:

+ Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline, with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

+ 5+ years of experience supervising direct reports in a manufacturing, testing, or laboratory environment.

+ Hands-on experience conducting environmental tests on spaceflight hardware or satellite systems, including work in cleanroom environments.

+ Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complex electrical, mechanical, and system test procedures.

+ Strong working knowledge of quality management systems such as AS9100, ISO, or equivalent.

+ Experience using enterprise-level systems including MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), QMS (Quality Management Systems), and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) tools.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$81,481 - $115,500

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

_T_ _his position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements._

**Benefits** : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

_We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status._

ITAR

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)