Industrial Engineer III

AeroVironment, Inc.; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking an Industrial Engineer III in California to analyze, design, and optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency, productivity, and quality.

You will collaborate across production, engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain to drive continuous improvement initiatives and cost reductions. The role emphasizes implementing Lean methodologies, developing capacity models, and leading Kaizen events while maintaining visual management practices and real-time data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced understanding in Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Experience with simulation software (e.g., SIMIO) and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and potential areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement process improvements using Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Lead Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement within the manufacturing environment.
• Design and optimize manufacturing layouts for maximum efficiency, considering material flow and ergonomic factors.
• Utilize software for designing manufacturing plant layouts and run capacity models.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement projects and sustainment of KPI improvements.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Data analysis

Project management

Manufacturing optimization

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SIMIO

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Excel

SQL

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary

The Industrial Engineer III is responsible for analyzing, designing, and optimizing manufacturing processes and systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality. This role involves a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and project management capabilities to drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This role 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 but not limited to training on lean tools, assessments, and site development action plans.
• Generate value stream maps, identify opportunities for improvement, manage improvement plan.
• Develop capacity models for new and current production processes.
• Analyze and maintain models after improvements.
• Experience with 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, aligning with overall business objectives and strategies.
• Standardize the visual reporting practices and ensure consistency across all production lines and shifts.
• Analyze KPI trends and provide actionable insights to management and floor supervisors to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability by empowering teams to use data to make decisions and take action.
• 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 in 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 (Constant).
• 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 50lbs.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is: $100,500 - $153,250

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

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.

Careers at AeroVironment