Lead - Field Services Engineering/Representative

AeroVironment, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. seeks a Field Services Engineering/Representative to support and maintain Titan-based systems across CONUS, with potential OCONUS deployments.

You will troubleshoot RF, power, and sensor subsystems, deploy ruggedized equipment in austere environments, and maintain critical readiness while liaising with customers. The role demands extensive travel (75%+), strong customer-facing skills, and the ability to work independently in high‑tempo operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience with RF systems, communications electronics, EW, or CUAS technologies.
• Ability to troubleshoot RF bands (HF, UHF, L/S/C) and power systems.
• Proven experience deploying ruggedized systems in austere environments (MIL_STD familiarity).
• Excellent communication skills; ability to brief technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance; passport eligible.

Responsibilities

• Deploy Titan MS systems and integrate RF, radar, EO/IR components using networking tools.
• Troubleshoot RF, power, and sensor subsystems; perform diagnostics and sustainment.
• Deliver operator and maintainer training with on-site support for customers.
• Maintain service logs, readiness metrics, and field reports; analyze data.
• Provide cross-system support across AV programs and customer environments.

Skills

RF systems

Troubleshooting

Networking/C2

Field deployment

Multinational teams

Communication

Travel readiness

Tools

Signal analyzers

Power meters

Job description

Job Overview

Worker Type Regular

Job Description

Location: CONUS & OCONUS Deployment (Europe-focused)

Worker Type: Regular

Travel: 75%+ (Domestic & International)

Clearance: Secret (TS/SCI preferred)

Salary Range: Competitive / Regionally Adjusted

Summary

AV is seeking a highly skilled and adaptable Field Services Engineering/Representative to support and maintain diverse systems, with primary operations based CONUS (within the United States). The role may also require OCONUS deployments to austere or hostile environments based on mission needs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience troubleshooting, repairing, and sustaining mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment under challenging conditions. This position requires proactive problem solving, strong technical expertise, and the ability to work independently in high-pressure environments. The successful candidate will demonstrate adaptability across varied operational settings, ensuring rapid issue resolution, improved system performance, risk reduction, and strong customer relationships. FSRs are the face of AV in operational environments. You will integrate multisensor systems (RF, radar, EO/IR), execute field repairs, support training, manage spares, and ensure safe, compliant, mission ready operations in high-tempo, austere, and multinational environments. This role supports a strategically important, rapidly expanding multi-sensor program with field operations occurring across multiple customer locations.

Core Responsibilities

• Titan MS System Deployment & Operations

  Deploy, install, configure, and commission Titan MS systems, achieving operational capability rapidly in dynamic environments. Integrate RF, radar, EO/IR, and C2 components using RJ45/IP networking, ICD/API interfaces, and system level configuration tools. Operate Titan UI/Dashboard, interpret sensor fusion outputs, telemetry, RF signatures, and defeat/engagement workflows. Conduct site surveys, airspace coordination, and mission planning in collaboration with customer units.

• Technical Troubleshooting & Sustainment

  Perform advanced RF, power, and sensor subsystem troubleshooting, including internal component, cable, and module replacement, to restore capability with minimal downtime. Execute MILSTD environmental validation, EMC checks, HERP/HERO safety procedures, and system level diagnostics. Maintain spares kits, bonded inventory, and logistics coordination to prevent operational delays. Support transition from prototype to production sustainment, including configuration management and fleet baseline tracking.

• Training, Certification & Customer Support

  Deliver operator and maintainer training, including hands‑on instruction, virtual labs, and train the trainer programs. Support curriculum refinement, user manual updates, and courseware improvements based on field feedback. Act as primary on‑site liaison with U.S. and allied customers, ensuring professional AV representation and alignment with SLA/KPI expectations. Provide flight demonstrations, operational briefs, and technical explanations to diverse audiences.

• Field Reporting, Documentation & Analytics

  Maintain accurate service logs, maintenance reports, readiness metrics, and operational data. Capture lessons learned, failure trends, and corrective action recommendations for engineering and product teams. Support risk assessments, mission packets, weather/NOTAM reviews, and operational planning documentation.

• Cross System Support

  Support additional AV systems (SUAS, TMS, UGV, Directed Energy, tracking systems) as required across the broader operational footprint. Provide flexible, mission ready support across multiple programs and customer environments.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years hands‑on experience with RF systems, communications electronics, EW, or CUAS technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot RF bands (HF, UHF, L/S/C Band), GNSS denial concepts, and power systems.
• Strong networking/C2 integration skills: RJ45, IP networking, ICD/API familiarity, Linux/Windows troubleshooting.
• Proven experience deploying ruggedized systems in austere or harsh environments (MIL_STD familiarity).
• Ability to read electrical/mechanical diagrams, interpret logs, and perform root cause analysis.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to brief technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• High cultural intelligence; experience working with multinational teams.
• Ability to travel extensively and deploy overseas.
• Valid driver’s license; passport eligible.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior military experience (EW, avionics, C_UAS, RF technician, SOF, Infantry, UAS operations).
• Certifications in RF, avionics, electronics, or related technical fields.
• Experience with GNSS/GPS denial, spectrum management, or interference mitigation.
• Experience authoring training materials or conducting certification programs.
• Additional language skills (Dutch, German, Polish, Ukrainian).
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR compliance and international deployment frameworks.
• Experience with RF test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment (e.g., signal analyzers, power meters, signal generators).
• Experience in electromechanical assembly and rework, including component swaps, cable management, ESD procedures, and proper sealing/fastener practices.
• Certifications in RF, avionics, networking, electronics, or related technical fields.

Desired Competencies

• Critical thinking — able to assess complex situations and make rapid, sound decisions.
• Tactical execution — able to operate confidently in dynamic, high‑tempo environments.
• Customer engagement — builds trust, communicates clearly, and represents AV professionally.
• Problem solving — solves technical issues under pressure with minimal support.
• Team collaboration — works seamlessly with engineering, program management, and customer teams.
• Adaptability — thrives in changing conditions, shifting priorities, and diverse cultures.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Able to work outdoors in extreme weather and traverse uneven terrain.
• Lift up to 70 lbs for equipment setup and transport.
• Stand, sit, crouch, kneel, and manipulate equipment for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in austere, isolated, or high‑tempo operational environments.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to ITAR/EAR controlled information. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under 22 CFR § 120.15. The 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.

EEO and Diversity

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.

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