Engineering Development Tech III

avav; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K with company match

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking an Engineering Development Technician III in Petaluma, CA. The role focuses on developing, building, integrating, and maintaining advanced unmanned systems for defense and commercial use.

Responsibilities include fabrication support, tool operation, meeting milestones, and documenting procedures. Requires 5+ years in technical fields, and OSHA-compliant safety practices are implied.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED; technical certificate acceptable.
• 5+ years of technical experience in machining, composites, rapid prototyping and electronics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer skills.
• Familiarity with aircraft and/or RC experience.
• Experience building fixtures, tools and electrical devices.
• Ability to understand build/assembly documentation.

Responsibilities

• Fabrication support across mechanical, electrical and composites.
• Operate and maintain shop tools and equipment.
• Meet deadlines to have hardware ready for milestones.
• Attend project meetings on schedules and hardware status.
• Document processes and build techniques for readiness and handoff.
• Assemble low-volume prototypes for product lifecycle.

Skills

Machining

Composites

Electronics

Fast-paced environment

Documentation

Education

High School diploma/GED

Tools

SolidWorks

3D printing

Soldering

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.

• 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

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$27 - $41

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:

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.

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.

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