Industrial Engineer III

avav; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 100,500 - 153,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

401K with company matching

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking an Industrial Engineer III to analyze and optimize manufacturing processes, driving continuous improvement across the facility.

You will lead lean initiatives, implement process improvements, and collaborate with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to achieve efficiency and quality goals. You will develop capacity models, run Digital Twin simulations, and mentor colleagues on lean tools, SOPs, and visual management practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• 5–8 years of manufacturing experience.
• Advanced Lean Manufacturing knowledge.
• Ability to work on the production floor ≥80% of the time.
• Experience with simulation and CAD tools.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
• Lead Lean initiatives and Kaizen events.
• Develop capacity models and use Digital Twin simulations for optimization.
• Design manufacturing layouts for efficiency and ergonomics.
• Work with cross-functional teams to sustain improvement projects.
• Provide training and SOPs for new processes and technologies.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Data analysis

Problem solving

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

On-floor presence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

SIMIO

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Minitab

Excel

SQL

Job description

Job Description

The Industrial Engineer III is responsible for analyzing, designing, and optimizing manufacturing processes and systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality. This role combines technical expertise, problem‑solving skills, and project management capabilities to drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. It involves collaborating with internal and external teams to develop and implement new manufacturing processes and technologies.

Position Responsibilities

• Analyze existing production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and potential areas for improvement.
• Experience with ramping up production volumes from low initial rates to higher volume full‑rate productions with demonstrated success.
• Develop and implement process improvements using Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Implement and manage lean application development at site level, including training on lean tools, assessments, and site development action plans.
• Generate value stream maps, identify opportunities for improvement, and manage improvement plan.
• Develop capacity models for new and current production processes, analyze and maintain them after improvements, and use Digital Twin Simulation software for modeling, scenario management, and optimization of factory processes.
• Develop and execute the strategy for visual management and real‑time data display across the manufacturing facility, standardizing visual reporting practices and ensuring consistency across all production lines and shifts.
• Analyze KPI trends and provide actionable insights to management and floor supervisors to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct time studies and waste observations to optimize workflow and enhance production efficiency.
• Determine and track associated cost savings for improvements.
• Design and optimize manufacturing layouts for maximum efficiency, considering material flow, equipment placement, and ergonomic factors; utilize software for designing manufacturing plant layouts.
• Work with cross‑functional teams, including production, engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain, to drive continuous improvement projects and Kaizen; ensure sustainment of projects by monitoring relevant KPIs.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement within the manufacturing environment.
• Facilitate brainstorming sessions, encourage participation from all team members, and stimulate discussions.
• Implement best practices and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency in production processes.
• Use data‑driven analysis tools to perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
• Provide training and support to production staff on new processes and technologies; draft visual and/or job aids to support learning.
• Use project management tools to track progress, manage resources, and communicate project status to stakeholders.
• Act as a change agent promoting continuous improvement.
• Mentor and assist others in professional development.

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or asylee/refugee status.
• Occasional travel within the Continental U.S.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5‑8 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced understanding of Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Ability to work at a minimum of 80% of the time on the production floor.
• Experience with simulation software (e.g., SIMIO) and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
• Displays strong initiative, drive to accomplish goals, and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past deliverables.
• Ability to prototype and iterate on visual designs.
• Experience with 3D printing software, equipment, and materials.
• Strong data analysis skills, with proficiency in using tools such as Minitab, Excel, and SQL.
• Excellent problem‑solving and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and compliance with industry standards such as ISO 9001.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments continuously.
• Required to sit and stand for extended periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other equipment.
• Occasional ability to lift up to 50 lb.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary Range

$100,500 – $153,250

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person approved for an export license by the governing agency. This includes U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or protected status such as refugee or asylee.

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

EEO/AA Statement

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.