Engineering Development Technician II

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

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

Medical and dental benefits

401K with company matching

Job summary

AV is seeking an Engineering Development Technician II to support assembly and testing of unmanned aircraft systems. This hands-on role focuses on build, basic integration, and lab/shop support under the direction of senior technicians and engineers.

You will perform mechanical and electrical assembly, use shop tools, assist with prototype builds, document steps, and help meet project schedules while adhering to 5S and safety guidelines. Some travel is required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED or equivalent
• Minimum 5+ years in manufacture, assembly and flight test of UAS aircraft systems
• Minimum of 2+ years' experience leading and supervising product build teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer skills
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Knowledge of aerospace/UAV systems and large‑scale composites
• Fundamental electrical and mechanical systems knowledge
• Ability to analyze and solve problems and manage technician resources
• Experience with manufacturing systems, processes and procedures
• Willingness to travel and deployment for two week increments
• Long hours including weekends and holidays in field environments

Responsibilities

• Perform basic mechanical and electrical assembly and rework of unmanned systems following procedures
• Use shop tools safely and effectively
• Assist with prototype hardware builds and wiring harnesses
• Manage part kitting, inventory checks, and build prep
• Document build steps and issues using standard forms
• Elevate complex problems to senior staff
• Follow engineering instructions and provide feedback
• Build fixtures and light fabrication as directed
• Maintain clean, safe lab and shop areas
• Support test activities including setup, data recording
• Participate in safety training and ITAR compliance
• Perform other duties to support engineering development

Skills

Team leadership

UAS knowledge

Aerospace systems

Electrical & mechanical basics

Problem solving

Manufacturing systems

Instructions interpretation

Travel readiness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Soldering irons

Crimp tools

3D printers

Benchtop equipment

Job description

Job Description

Regular

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 at http://www.avinc.com 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.

EEO Statement

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