Engineering Development Technician IV

AeroVironment, Inc.; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K with company match

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Moorpark, CA seeks an Engineering Development Technician IV to advance unmanned systems through fabrication, build, integration and testing. This role requires hands-on experience in machining, composites, rapid prototyping, and electronics, plus proficiency with SolidWorks or SURFCAM.

You will lead fabrication efforts, document processes, and ensure safety and readiness for project milestones. Travel to test sites may be required; a valid driver's license is needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or technical training in machining or electronics.
• 12+ years of technical experience in machining, composites, rapid prototyping, and electronics.
• Experience building fixtures/tools and documenting build processes.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, test, and repair integrated systems.
• Lead tech support and mentor team members.
• Maintain shop equipment and enforce safety protocols.
• Document processes and build techniques for readiness.
• Support project milestones with rapid prototyping.

Skills

Machining

Composites

Rapid Prototyping

Electronics

3D Modeling

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

SolidWorks

SURFCAM

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Engineering Development Technician IV 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 ResponsibilitiesConducts mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systemsResponsible for operating and maintain shop equipment and tools (Hand tools, power tools, solder irons, manual lathe and mills, 3D printers, etc.), and tracking projects, material use and ROIInstructs and teaches Engineering team members on using shop equipment safely, properly and effectively.Provide specialized rapid prototyping fabrication and assembly services to build prototype product hardware.Meet scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have hardware ready for project milestonesProvide planning assistance for rapid prototyping activities to support overall product development project goals and milestones.Effectively document important processes and build techniques for successful readiness of equipment and transition of responsibilities to other individualsLead technician support to engineering projects.Responsible for Fabrication of development test fixtures, tools or moldsProvide 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 assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)High School diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school12+ years of technical experience (emphasis in machining, composites, rapid prototyping environment and electronics)Requires general proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skillsDemonstrated familiarity with aircraft and/or Remote Control (R/C) experienceExpert understanding of using machine shop tools and shows proficiency with these systemsExperience with building fixtures, tools and parts or electrical devicesIn-depth understanding of build/assembly documentation developmentExpert knowledge, including repair and test, in at least two areas: Fabrication, Composites, Mechanics, ElectronicsIn-depth knowledge of 3D modeling and programming software (such as SolidWorks/SURFCAM) desiredMaintain 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 testingMust have a valid Driver's license and clean driving recordPeriods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environmentsOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesHigher education and Welding certifications are desiredCandidate may have the opportunity to receive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot's license but not requiredIn-depth experience with 3D additive manufacturing technology desiredExperience working with composites, either wet layup or prepreg materials, is desiredSkills as a machinist and with GD&T desiredDemonstrates 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 proceduresAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsHas effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsRequires manual dexterity and ability to effectively use machining tools, both manual and automatedRequires use of soldering iron to assist with electrical assemblyAbility to move and/or carry heavy equipmentAbility 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 customersRequired to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and/or telephone keyboardAbility to work in a manufacturing environmentSpecial RequirementsU.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), per ITAR definitionClearance LevelSecretThe salary range for this role is:$31 - $48AeroVironment 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.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.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.ITARU.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.