Solder Technician III

AeroVironment, Inc.; Strathearn (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Solder Technician III to test, troubleshoot, and assemble electronic systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. You will follow drawings and procedures to build avionic assemblies, wire harnesses, and test fixtures, with field testing potentially required.

Ideal candidates have 5–8 years in aerospace R&D, strong soldering and schematic skills, and the ability to work with minimal supervision while interfacing with engineering. Overtime and travel may be necessary.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 5–8 years in aircraft manufacturing or Aerospace R&D environment.
• Skilled with electrical schematics and interpreting drawings.
• Experience with avionics and/or controls in prototype development.

Responsibilities

• Test, inspect, repair electrical systems and components.
• Write assembly and test procedures.
• Maintain detailed activity notebooks.
• Fabricate electronic assemblies for UAVs from drawings.
• Assemble and install wire harnesses and UAV/RC systems.
• Field or flight testing may be required; some travel.
• Lead or guide small teams on new assignments.

Skills

MS Office

Electrical schematics

Prototype development

Translate design to build instructions

Overtime willingness

Hand/eye coordination

Education

Electronics training (2-4 years)

IPC610/J-STD-001 soldering certification desirable

Tools

CAD design systems

Soldering equipment

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary

The Solder Technician III tests and troubleshoots electronic and control systems for unmanned air vehicles.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for manufacturing, testing, inspection, and repair, of electrical systems and components
• Writes assembly and test procedures
• Maintains a detailed notebook of all activities
• Operates and maintains tools in a safe and serviceable condition
• Works from written procedures and drawings as well as direct communication from engineering staff to fabricate electronic assemblies for small UAVs, including avionics, payloads, etc.
• Fabricates test fixtures
• Debugs electronic subsystems
• Soldering of electrical and avionic components, including circuit boards
• Assembles and installs wire harnesses
• Assembles and installs UAV/RC electronic and mechanical systems
• Repairs UAV/RC subsystems
• Helps build prototypes for initial designs and low volume builds that are not yet released into production
• Operates and maintains tools in a safe and serviceable condition
• Field testing/Flight testing may be required so some travel may be necessary
• Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative
• Completes tasks in resourceful and effective ways
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may be informal team leader
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate from a trade/technical school required
• Minimum of 5 - 8 years of experience in an aircraft manufacturing or Aerospace R&D environment
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in MS Office
• Has knowledge to help translate an engineered design into build instructions which can be used by assembly and test personnel to duplicate the required product performance
• Experienced with electrical schematics necessary
• Experienced in interpreting and understanding electrical and mechanical drawing / schematics
• Demonstrated familiarity with electronics including hands-on experience with analog and digital hardware
• Experienced with prototype design and development of electronic systems- including avionics and/or controls
• Ability and willingness to work overtime and some weekends
• Must successfully pass a background check and drug test
• Must have a Valid Driver's license and clean driving record

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• The equivalent of a 2 - 4-year advanced studies beyond High School with emphasis in electronics, soldering, or equivalent job-related training in an R&D environment is preferred
• IPC610 J-STD-001 Soldering certification desirable
• Experience with CAD type design systems for creating schematics and/or hardware preferred
• Experience in a fast-paced R&D environment desired
• Must possess the ability to change direction frequently and multitask while maintaining focus
• Specific experience with wiring harnesses, plastics, composites and printed circuit board manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, is a self-starter and works well with within a team
• Proven experience with basic analog and digital circuit troubleshooting and repair desired
• Proven experience with overall aircraft electronic fabrication desired
• Overall experience with UAV's preferred
• 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

Physical Demands

• Able to work in a manufacturing environment (Constant)
• Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Constant)
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away (Frequent)
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness (Constant)
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects (Frequent)
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects (Frequent)
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm (Frequent)
• Ability to lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs. of cases of varying size (Frequent)
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lb. cases of varying sizes & shapes for shipment to test sites and to customers (Occasional)
• Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Occasional)
• Talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Occasionally may be required to travel Internationally and within the Continental U.S.
• Clearance Level No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $23 - $35

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