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Worker Type

Contractor

Job Description

Summary

The Test Equipment Engineering Technician III independently supports and leads the development, build, integration, deployment, and sustainment of complex electro-mechanical test equipment and tooling for advanced unmanned systems supporting defense and commercial applications. The role partners closely with engineering teams, provides technical leadership in fabrication and rapid prototyping, and contributes to design improvement, validation, and process optimization efforts.

Position Responsibilities

+ Responsible for assembly and integration of electro-mechanical test systems, tooling & fixtures.

+ Responsible for sustaining electromechanical, automated test equipment and fixtures on the production floor as well as supplier sites.

+ Assist test equipment and tooling designers in design from initial concept through build, test and customer deployment.

+ Take ownership of significant portion of the test equipment fabrication, validation, deployment and process improvements.

+ Experienced with assembly and PCBA test methods.

+ Designs and implements circuit boards. This includes component selection, schematic capture, board layout, board bring-up, and documentation.

+ Conducts mechanical, electrical, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systems.

+ Responsible for operating and maintain shop equipment and tools (Hand tools, power tools, solder irons, manual lathe and mills, 3D printers, etc.), and tracking projects, and ordering materials.

+ Instructs and teaches Engineering team members on using shop equipment safely, properly and effectively.

+ Provide specialized rapid prototyping fabrication and assembly services to build prototype product hardware.

+ Meet scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have hardware ready for project milestones

+ Provide planning assistance for rapid prototyping activities to support overall product development project goals and milestones.

+ Effectively document important processes and build techniques for successful readiness of equipment and transition of responsibilities to other individuals

+ Lead technician support to engineering projects.

+ Responsible for Fabrication of development test fixtures, tools or molds

+ Provide product design feedback to the engineering team to improve product performance, manufacturability, safety, reliability, and cost.

+ Ensure that laboratory and machine shop areas and equipment are safe, clean, in good working order, and organized for all engineering staff to efficiently work.

+ Maintain and participate in explosives safety program.

+ Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

+ High School diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school

+ Experience in designing the following types of parts: machined parts, simple composite parts, sheet metal parts, wire & cable assemblies, mechanical assemblies.

+ Minimum 4-6 years of experience designing complex electro-mechanical assembly systems.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

+ Proven experience in creating engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices, Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and other applicable ASME Y14 series standards.

+ Some experience with SolidWorks EPDM.

+ Experience in designing tooling or test equipment is preferred.

+ Demonstrates understanding of engineering configuration management processes and material properties.

+ Hands-on skills such as soldering, circuit prototyping, wiring etc.

+ Requires general proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills

+ Analyze designs for potential improvement in terms of efficiency, manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

+ Strong understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and material selection.

+ Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and able to work well with others across disciplines.

+ Familiarity with PCB design process

+ Candidate may have the opportunity to receive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot's license but not required

+ In-depth experience with 3D additive manufacturing technology desired

+ Demonstrates competency in interpreting instructions given by engineering team (verbal or written), asking for clarity where needed, and updating or generation of documentation, which could include drawings and procedures

+ Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties

+ Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products

Physical Demands

+ Requires manual dexterity and ability to effectively use machining tools, both manual and automated

+ Requires use of soldering iron to assist with electrical assembly

+ Ability to move and/or carry heavy equipment

+ Ability to meet California laws governing the acceptable use of a respirator.

+ Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds as well as objects of varying sizes and shapes for setups and assemblies for various internal customers

+ Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and/or telephone keyboard

+ Ability to work in a manufacturing environment

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance

+ Work is in an office and manufacturing environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.

Special Requirements

+ U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), per ITAR definition

Clearance Level

No Clearance

AeroVironment considers several factors, 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)