Engineering Development Tech III

AeroVironment, Inc.; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with company matching

a 9/80 work schedule

paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Lawrence, KS is seeking an Engineering Development Technician III to work on advanced unmanned systems, focusing on development, build, integration, and maintenance of hardware for defense and commercial applications.

You will fabricate, test, and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and composite components, document processes, and contribute to safe lab practices and readiness for milestones; travel may be required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED or equivalent technical certificate.
• 7+ years of technical experience in machining, composites, rapid prototyping and electronics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer skills.
• Familiarity with aircraft or Remote Control (R/C) experience.
• Experience with building fixtures, tools, or electrical devices.
• Ability to understand and produce build/assembly documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conducts fabrication support and testing of integrated systems.
• Operate and maintain shop equipment and tools.
• Meet timelines and milestones for hardware readiness.
• Attend project meetings on schedule and status.
• Document processes and build techniques for readiness and transfer of responsibilities.
• Build low volume prototype assemblies and develop test fixtures.
• Provide design feedback to improve performance, manufacturability and safety.
• Maintain safe, organized lab and shop spaces.
• Support explosives safety program and compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Machining

Composites

Electronics

R/C Experience

Fabrication

GD&T

Documentation

Education

High School diploma or GED

Welding certifications

Tools

3D Printers

Soldering irons

Lathe

Mills

SolidWorks

SURFCAM

Job description

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
• 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
• 7+ 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
• In-depth 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 two areas: 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
• ITAR U.S. Citizenship required

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Higher education and Welding certifications are desired
• Candidate may have the opportunity to receive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot's license but not required
• 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

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary range for this role is

$25 - $38

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• paid holiday shutdown

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.

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.

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.