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Petaluma, California, United States
Onsite
Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Engineering Development Technician III will have the opportunity to work on a variety of advanced unmanned systems to develop solutions for a variety of defense and commercial applications. This will include contributing to the development, build, integration, and maintenance of these systems.
Position Responsibilities
Conducts mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systems
Operate and maintain shop equipment and tools (Hand tools, power tools, solder irons, manual lathe and mills, 3D printers, etc.)
Meet scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have hardware ready for project milestones
Attend project meetings to discuss project schedule, design, hardware status, and other critical information
Effectively document important processes and build techniques for successful readiness of equipment and transition of responsibilities to other individuals
Build low volume assemblies in the prototype phase of product lifecycle.
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.
Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
High School diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school
5+ years of technical experience (emphasis in machining, composites, rapid prototyping environment and electronics)
Requires general proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills
Demonstrated familiarity with aircraft and/or Remote Control (R/C) experience
Good understanding of using machine shop tools and shows proficiency with these systems
Experience with building fixtures, tools and parts or electrical devices
Good understanding of build/assembly documentation development
In-depth knowledge, including repair and test, in at least one area: Fabrication, Composites, Mechanics, Electronics
Maintain a high level of work practice and ensure all safety guidelines and policies are met.
Requires local/domestic travel (both driving and flying) to test site locations and participating in development testing
Must have a valid Driver's license and clean driving record
Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environments
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Higher education and Welding certifications are desired
Experience with 3D modeling and programming software (such as SolidWorks/SURFCAM) desired
Exposure to 3D additive manufacturing technology desired
Experience working with composites, either wet layup or prepreg materials, is desired
Skills as a machinist and with GD&T 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
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
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
Special Requirements
U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), per ITAR definition
Clearance Level
The salary range for this role is:
$27 - $41AeroVironment 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:
This 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.
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.
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
U.S. Citizenship required