Engineering Development Technician II

AeroVironment; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment in California is looking for an Engineering Development Technician II to join the hands-on lab team, assembling and testing unmanned aircraft systems and related sub-assemblies under supervision. You will perform mechanical/electrical assembly, basic integration, and support prototype builds while documenting steps and maintaining safety in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires leadership experience, strong technical knowledge in electronics/mechanics, and the ability to

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum 5+ years in manufacture, assembly and flight test of UAS aircraft systems
• Minimum of 2+ years’ experience effectively leading and supervising product build teams
• General proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Possesses strong large scale composite knowledge or aerospace/UAV systems
• Possesses fundamental knowledge in electrical and mechanical systems
• Must have ability to analyze and solve problems; must be able to handle technician resource issues in a timely manner as they arise
• Experience working with manufacturing systems, processes and procedures
• Must be able to support travel and deployments of minimum two week increments (Frequent)
• Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environments

Responsibilities

• Perform basic mechanical and electrical assembly, integration, and rework of unmanned systems and sub‑assemblies by following standard procedures and work instructions
• Use common shop equipment and tools in a safe and correct manner
• Support prototype hardware builds, including wiring harness assembly, basic avionics and payload installation, setup and teardown of ground support equipment under guidance
• Assist with part kitting, inventory checks, and build preparation to help meet project schedules
• Accurately document build steps, work performed, and any issues found using standard forms or templates
• Identify straightforward issues during assembly and elevate complex problems to senior technicians or engineers
• Follow detailed engineering instructions and provide clear feedback when instructions are unclear
• Build and use simple fixtures, tools, and jigs as directed using basic fabrication methods
• Help maintain clean, organized lab and shop areas in accordance with 5S and safety guidelines
• Support test activities by setting up test articles and basic instrumentation, running predefined test procedures under supervision, and recording data
• Participate in required safety training and follow all safety procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of engineering development and testing

Skills

Experience in UAS assembly

Leadership / supervision

MS Office proficiency

Instruction interpretation

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or GED

Technical coursework or certificate

Tools

Basic 3D printing

CAD software (SolidWorks/Fusion 360)

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Engineering Development Technician II supports the assembly and testing of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and related sub-assemblies. This is a hands-on role focused on build, basic integration, and general lab/shop support under the direction of senior technicians and engineers.

Position Responsibilities

• Perform basic mechanical and electrical assembly, integration, and rework of unmanned systems and sub‑assemblies by following standard procedures and work instructions.
• Use common shop equipment and tools (hand tools, power tools, soldering irons, crimp tools, small benchtop equipment, basic 3D printers) in a safe and correct manner.
• Support prototype hardware builds, including:
  • simple wiring harness assembly,
  • basic avionics and payload installation,
  • setup and teardown of ground support equipment under guidance.
• Assist with part kitting, inventory checks, and build preparation to help meet project schedules.
• Accurately document build steps, work performed, and any issues found using standard forms or templates.
• Identify straightforward issues during assembly and elevate complex problems to senior technicians or engineers.
• Follow detailed engineering instructions (verbal, sketches, drawings, and written procedures) and provide clear feedback when instructions are unclear.
• Build and use simple fixtures, tools, and jigs as directed using basic fabrication methods (cutting, drilling, simple brackets, etc.).
• Help maintain clean, organized, and safe lab and shop areas in accordance with 5S and safety guidelines.
• Support test activities by:
  • setting up test articles and basic instrumentation,
  • running predefined test procedures under supervision,
  • recording test data accurately.
• Participate in required safety training (including explosives safety where applicable) and follow all safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of engineering development and testing.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum 5+ years in manufacture, assembly and flight test of UAS aircraft systems
• Minimum of 2+ years’ experience effectively leading and supervising product build teams
• Requires general proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Possesses strong large scale composite knowledge or aerospace/UAV systems
• Possesses fundamental knowledge in electrical and mechanical systems
• Must have ability to analyze and solve problems; Must be able to handle technician resource issues in a timely manner as they arise
• Experience working with manufacturing systems, processes and procedures
• Must be able to support travel and deployments of minimum two week increments (Frequent)
• Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environments

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Some hands‑on experience building or working with drones/UAS, RC aircraft, robotics, electronics projects, or similar hobby/technical activities is desired.
• Completion of relevant technical coursework, trade school, or a technical certificate is preferred.
• Familiarity with basic 3D printing (desktop FDM printers) is a plus.
• Exposure to CAD or 3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) is a plus, but not required.
• Ability to read and follow basic technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and written procedures.

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:

$23 - $35

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

We also encourage you to review our company website to learn more about us.

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