Engineering Flight Test Specialist II

AeroVironment, Inc.; Petaluma, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking an Engineering Flight Test Specialist II to serve as remote pilot in command for unmanned aircraft systems during flight testing, ATPs, and demonstrations. You will participate in critical test activities, reporting, and safety adherence, with frequent travel (up to 80%).

The role requires FAA Part 107 certification, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams on complex test campaigns across US locations.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED
• 2–4 years of relevant work experience
• Experience with manufacturing systems, processes and procedures
• Pass FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft exam
• Annual Proficiency And Readiness Test (APART)

Responsibilities

• Prepares detailed post flight test reporting and adheres to safety protocols
• Provides feedback on observed aircraft performance
• Performs flight demonstrations and manages demo equipment and travel
• Leads Flight Factory Acceptance and Site Acceptance Testing events
• Responsible for QC testing before and after flight tests
• Manages flight teams inventory and checks in/out flight test equipment
• Performs troubleshooting for payload integrations and writes post test procedures
• Completes Jira tasks within assigned timelines
• Willing to travel internationally and domestically up to 80%
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Flight testing

Aviation safety

Troubleshooting

Flight planning

Safety protocols

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary

The Engineering Flight Test Specialist II acts as remote pilot in command for unmanned aircraft systems or vehicles for flight testing, acceptance test protocol (ATP), Flight Acceptance Testing, and various internal and external demonstrations.

Position Responsibilities

• Prepares detailed post flight test reporting and is required to report, follow and ensure adherence to all safety protocols
• Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance
• Performs flight demonstrations (also in charge of demo equipment, planning, travel, etc.)
• Leads Flight Factory Acceptance and Site Acceptance Testing events
• Responsible for acceptance quality control ("QC") system testing before flight test and after flight test
• Manages flight teams inventory and ensure all equipment is in good working order
• Responsible for checking in and out flight test-owned equipment
• Analyzes and solves problems that develop during flight testing
• Consistently exhibits substantial understanding of the job and applies knowledge/skills to complete a wide range of tasks
• Works on assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues or in making recommendations
• Performs troubleshooting tasks for off the shelf vendor payload integrations and writes post test procedure
• Normally receives little instruction on daily work and general instructions on newly introduced assignments
• Completes Jira tasks within the timeline assigned
• Travel (International & Domestic) up to 80%
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required
• 2 - 4 years of relevant work experience is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Experience working with manufacturing systems, processes and procedures
• Requires advanced computer operation skills, including familiarity IP protocol and experience with MS programs
• Experienced in controlling systems (i.e. RC Aircraft) requiring quick thinking, quick reactions, awareness of subsystem failure symptoms and quickly adapting/responding with appropriate emergency procedures
• Understanding of basic flight planning within FAA/ICAO regulations
• Must have and maintain a clean DMV record, in order to drive company vehicles
• Ability to travel within the Continental U.S. in support of flight testing (Frequent)
• Required to pass FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft exam
• Will be required to pass an Annual Proficiency And Readiness Test (APART)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• RC/UAS experience is desired
• Prior Military and/or Aviation experience is preferred
• 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
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Able to travel (Internationally and Domestic) up to 80%

Physical Demands

• Lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs. of cases of varying size (Frequent)
• Lift up to 70 pounds as well as objects of varying sizes for shipment to & set up at various customer training sites (Occasional)
• Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Constant)
• Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Frequent)
• Balancing, handling, fine manipulation and grasping (Frequent)
• Repeatedly throw objects up to 16lbs over shoulder (Frequent)
• Good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble product (Frequent)
• Crouching, reaching and keying (Frequent)
• Climbing, stooping, kneeling, feeling, overhead lifting (Occasional)

Clearance Level

Secret

Salary

The salary range for this role is: $31 - $48

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. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Benefits

• AeroVironment offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

About AV:

AV isn t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We dnt 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 - we r not building history, we r 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

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.