Engineering Development Technician II

AeroVironment, Inc.; Simi Valley, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Simi Valley, CA is seeking an Engineering Development Technician II to support the assembly and testing of unmanned aircraft systems. You will perform basic mechanical and electrical assembly, integration, and build support under supervision of senior technicians and engineers.

This hands-on role requires use of shop tools, documentation of work, and participation in safety training, with opportunities to contribute to prototype hardware builds and flight-test activities.

Qualifications

• Requires High School diploma or GED or equivalent training/experience.
• 5+ years in manufacture, assembly and flight test of UAS aircraft systems.
• 2+ years' experience leading and supervising product build teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer skills.
• Ability to interpret instructions from drawings, schedules, or procedures.
• Strong understanding of aerospace/UAV systems and basic electrical/mechanical knowledge.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems and manage technician resources.
• Willingness to travel and support deployments of two-week increments.
• Flexibility for long hours around deadlines and field tests.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and rework unmanned systems following standard procedures.
• Use shop tools and equipment safely to support prototype builds.
• Document build steps and issues clearly.
• Assist with wiring, avionics, and payload installation under guidance.
• Maintain clean, organized lab/shop areas and follow safety guidelines.
• Support testing by setting up test articles and recording data.
• Escalate complex issues to senior technicians/engineers.
• Read and follow detailed engineering instructions and provide feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Microsoft Office

Reading & following instructions

Problem solving

Manufacturing systems knowledge

Travel readiness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Technical coursework or trade certificate preferred

Tools

Soldering irons

Crimp tools

3D printers

Basic fabrication tools

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.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K with company matching
• 9/80 work schedule
• 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. 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. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

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. Careers at AeroVironment