Engineering Flight Test Specialist III

AeroVironment, Inc.; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 42,705 - 66,124; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Moorpark, CA seeks an Engineering Flight Test Specialist III to serve as remote pilot in command for unmanned aircraft systems during flight testing, ATPs, and external demonstrations.

You will prepare detailed post-flight reports, provide feedback to engineering, perform flight demonstrations, and manage QC testing and equipment. Ability to travel and operate under safety protocols is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• AA degree or vocational training preferred.
• Experience with manufacturing systems, processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepares detailed post flight test reporting and ensures compliance with safety protocols.
• Provides feedback to department personnel on aircraft performance.
• Performs flight demonstrations and manages demo equipment, planning, travel, etc.
• Responsible for acceptance QC system testing before and after flight tests.
• Manages flight teams inventory and ensures equipment is in good working order.
• Checks in and out flight test-owned equipment.
• Analyzes and solves problems during flight testing.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may lead informal teams.

Skills

RC Aircraft

MS Excel

MS Word

Team leadership

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

AA degree or Vocational Training

Tools

Flight test equipment

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Engineering Flight Test Specialist III acts as remote pilot in command for unmanned aircraft systems or vehicles for flight testing, acceptance test protocol (ATP), and various internal and external demonstrations.Position ResponsibilitiesPrepares detailed post flight test reporting and is required to report, follow and ensure adherence to all safety protocolsProvides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performancePerforms flight demonstrations (also in charge of demo equipment, planning, travel, etc.)Responsible for acceptance quality control ("QC") system testing before flight test and after flight testManages flight teams inventory and ensure all equipment is in good working orderResponsible for checking in and out flight test-owned equipmentAnalyzes and solves problems that develop during flight testingWorks on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative. Exhibits understanding of implications of work and makes recommendations for solutoinsDetermines methods and procedures on new assignments and may serve as informal team leaderOther duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)High School diploma or GED equivalent is required4 - 6 years of relevant work experience is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceExperience working with manufacturing systems, processes and proceduresRequires intermediate to advanced computer operation skills, including familiarity with MS Word and ExcelExperienced in controlling systems (i.e. RC Aircraft) requiring quick thinking, quick reactions, awareness of subsystem failure symptoms and quickly adapting/responding with appropriate emergency proceduresMust have and maintain a clean DMV record, in order to drive company vehiclesAbility to travel within the Continental U.S. in support of flight testing (Frequent)Required to pass FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft examWill be required to pass an Annual Proficiency And Readiness Test (APART)Other Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesAA degree or Vocational Training in related discipline is preferredRC/UAS experience is desiredPrior Military and/or Aviation experience is preferredAs a skilled specialist, one completes tasks in resourceful and effective waysAble 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 productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyDemonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, team leadership and communication skillsConsistently demonstrates teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsAble to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Frequent)Able to lift and/or move objects of varying sizes and shapes up to 50 lbs. (Frequent)Able to repeatedly throw objects up to 16 lbs. over shoulder (Frequent)Required to stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Constant)Able to maintain visual line of sight of unmanned air vehicles up to 1 kilometer away (Frequent)Able to demonstrate good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble product (Frequent)Clearance 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.