Industrial Engineer I, Continuous Improvement

InvestedintheMission; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in California is seeking an Industrial Engineer I, Continuous Improvement to advance manufacturing processes.

You will apply data-driven methods and Lean/Six Sigma techniques to optimize production, lead continuous improvement projects, and collaborate across engineering and operations to boost safety, quality, and throughput. The role requires 1–3 years in manufacturing, a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or equivalent
• 1–3 years manufacturing experience
• Familiar with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
• Experience with electro-mechanical manufacturing drawings and BOM
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Support development, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing processes focusing on safety, quality, and efficiency
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and lead time
• Analyze production metrics, value stream data, and material flow to drive improvements
• Conduct Gemba studies and collect data for opportunities
• Engage technicians for feedback and waste observations
• Lead implementation of continuous improvement programs and plant teams
• Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving
• Design and develop manufacturing workflows and equipment layouts
• Collaborate with engineering and suppliers to improve cost and cycle time
• Perform hands-on work on production floor and AV integration
• Develop standard work and promote continuous improvement
• Complete ROI analysis for capital projects
• Lead project management phases and sustainment activities
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Microsoft Office

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Industrial Engineer I, Continuous Improvement supports activities for operations in the manufacturing of AeroVironment Unmanned Air Vehicles. In this role, the Industrial Engineer I participates in establishing the most suitable technologies, processes, and practices for manufacturing. The Industrial Engineer I is data driven; utilizing statistical methods to analyze production data to optimize the full production process and drive continuous improvement.

Position Responsibilities

• Support the development, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing processes with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency
• Help implement Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methodology to promote continuous improvement strategies in productivity, quality, and lead time reduction
• Analyze production metrics, value stream data, and material flow to trigger and lead improvement projects
• Perform Gemba studies and data collection for the purposes of understanding improvement opportunities in a designated area
• Engage technicians on a regular basis for feedback and inputs. Evaluate work activities for waste observations
• Lead and facilitate implementation and maintenance activities related to the continuous improvement program and supports dedicated plant teams
• Participate in root cause analysis and problem solving to resolve issues related to materials, design, equipment, and people
• Participate in the design and development of manufacturing workflows and layout of equipment for maximum efficiency
• Lead collaborative engineering improvement activities alongside other engineering functions and suppliers to improve cost, cycle time, or to drive quality improvement activities
• Perform hands‑on work to support production floor, AV integration, and assembly processes as required
• Implement best practices and develop standard work, act as a change agent promoting continuous improvement
• Complete ROI analysis for capital projects and process improvements
• Lead and/or support all phases of project management and monitor and ensure sustainment of implemented improvements at operational level
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum 1-3 years experience in a manufacturing environment or similar experience required
• Familiar with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies and tools for process development and control
• Familiar with electro‑mechanical manufacturing, drawings, procedures, and Bill of Materials
• Experience in root cause analysis and problem‑solving principles
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate, interact and communicate with all levels of an organization

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Ability to apply statistical and practical analysis to optimize production workflows and layouts
• 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
• Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
• Strong organization skills, able to work well under pressure and manage several tasks simultaneously
• Follow‑through for assignments with a minimum direction and detail oriented

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary

The salary range for this role is:

$62,741 - $95,680

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.

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