Lead UAS Assembly & Test Technician

AeroVironment, Inc.

Simi Valley (CA)

On-site

USD 42,705 - 66,124

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Simi Valley, CA is seeking an Engineering Development Technician IV to support the development and integration of advanced unmanned aircraft systems for defense and commercial applications.

This hands-on role focuses on assembly, integration, test, and general shop support. Candidates should have experience building, modifying, and troubleshooting drones or RC aircraft; higher education or certifications are a plus; familiarity with CAD/3D modeling tools; and experience

Qualifications

Experience building, flying, and troubleshooting drones/UAS or RC aircraft.
Higher education (technical degree/certificate) and/or relevant industry certifications a plus.
Experience with 3D additive manufacturing (desktop FDM printers, basic CAD-to-print workflow) heavily desired.
Experience working with composites (wet layup or prepreg) is a plus.
Experience interpreting engineering instructions (verbal, sketches, drawings, and written procedures) and creating/updating shop-floor documentation.
Able to excel in a fast-paced, prototype-driven environment where small teams share a broad range of responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Perform mechanical and electrical assembly, integration, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of unmanned systems and sub-assemblies.
Operate and maintain common shop equipment and tools (hand tools, power tools, soldering irons, crimp tools, small benchtop equipment, 3D printers, etc.).
Provide assembly and integration support for prototype hardware, including wiring harnesses, avionics installation, payload integration, and ground support equipment.
Assist with planning and kitting for builds to meet project schedules and milestones with aggressive timelines.
Document build processes, rework steps, and best practices to support repeatability and knowledge transfer within the team.
Shows strong initiative, ownership of work, and follow-through.
Effective problem solving
Serve as a lead technician on assigned engineering projects; coordinate with engineers to define tasks, report status, and highlight risks.
Build and maintain development test fixtures, simple tools, and jigs using basic fabrication methods (no precision machining required).
Provide practical design feedback to engineering to improve assembly, serviceability, robustness, and manufacturability.
Help ensure lab and shop areas are safe, organized, and configured for efficient work (5S mindset).
Support explosives safety program activities as required (training provided).
Perform other duties as assigned in support of engineering development and testing.
Familiarity with CAD or 3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360).