Production Technician

AeroVironment, Inc.; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Germantown, MD is seeking a Contractor Production Technician to test and assemble electro-mechanical systems in our manufacturing facility, following engineering drawings and work orders.

The role focuses on mechanical sub-assembly work using hand and power tools, with possible soldering. You will collaborate with engineering to improve documentation and assembly efficiency while ensuring high quality and a safe, organized work area.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED Equivalent. Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment in electronics or electro-mechanical assembly and test.
• Experience with hand tools, including crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools and air tools is required.
• Ability to solder as part of assembly function and duties.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical assembly of sub-assemblies using hand and/or power tools. Some soldering may be required.
• Collaborate with other Production Technicians and Engineering to improve assembly documentation and efficiency.
• Ensure work order protocols are followed and paperwork is completed during work execution.
• May conduct in-process quality checks to ensure items meet high quality standards.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment and follow established procedures.

Skills

Hand tools

Soldering

Manual dexterity

Communication skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Crimpers

Drills

Torque wrenches

Air tools

Power tools

Job description

Worker Type Contractor Job Description Summary

The primary responsibility of the Production Technician is to test/assemble electro-mechanical systems and sub-system products in our manufacturing facility following released engineering drawings and assembly instructions using our work order system.

Position Responsibilities

Primary duty is the mechanical assembly of sub-assemblies using small hand and/or power tools. Some soldering may be required. Works with other Production Technicians and Engineering to correct and improve upon any documents related to the assembly process at the required high quality standard. Works with manufacturing engineers to improve assembly efficiency, improve product quality, reduce manufacturing costs and validate released assembly/ fabrication documentation. Responsible for ensuring that work order protocols are followed and that work order paperwork is completed as the work is performed. May conduct in-process quality checks to ensure that items built are to established high quality standards. Follows established procedures on routine work and may require instruction on new assignments. Maintains a clean and safe work environment. Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

High School diploma or GED Equivalent. Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment in either electronics or electro-mechanical assembly and test or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Experienced with hand tools, including crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools and air tools is required. Ability to solder as part of assembly function and duties. Must have good manual dexterity and basic computer operation skills. Must have strong oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively with employees in the Company. Strong analytical, problem-solving skills and attention to detail with ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Vocational training in Electronics or Solder Certification is preferred. Ability to read blueprints and schematics is desired. Versed in Lean Manufacturing methodologies is desired. Familiarity with Safety and ESD practices is desired. Work with engineering on new product development efforts where documentation and assembly instructions are not yet finalized. 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, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in a manufacturing environment. Ability to frequently use hand tools (e.g. clamps) using light, minimal force. Regularly required to sit for long periods and occasionally stand for short periods. Frequently lift and/or carry objects of small size between 2lbs and 5lbs. Frequently required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and balance. Occasionally required to walk. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Clearance Level

No Clearance.

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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. 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.

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.