Test Technician III

AV; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision insurance

401K with company match

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AV is seeking a Test Technician III to assemble and test Unmanned Aerial System products in our Petaluma, CA manufacturing facility. You will follow engineering drawings, use our work order system, and perform subassembly and final assembly work with hand and power tools.

The role requires 2–4 years in electronics/electro‑mechanical assembly, soldering capability, and strong attention to detail. You will participate in quality checks, training teammates, and collaborating with engineers to

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• 2–4 years in a manufacturing or production environment in electronics or electro‑mechanical assembly/test.
• Experience with hand tools including crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools and air tools.
• Ability to solder as part of assembly functions and duties.
• Good manual dexterity and basic computer operation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving skills and attention to detail with ability to interpret various instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assemble subassemblies using hand and/or power tools.
• Perform final assembly of ground control equipment and air vehicles.
• Test and troubleshoot subassemblies and final assemblies.
• Maintain clean and safe work environment and follow work order protocols.
• Train other technicians on product assembly or established processes.
• Conduct in-process quality checks to ensure high-quality standards.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve assembly efficiency and product quality.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Reading and interpreting instructions

Soldering

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Crimpers

Drills

Taps

Torque wrenches

Power tools

Air tools

Job description

Job Description

The primary responsibility for the Test Technician III is to test and assemble Unmanned Arial System products in our manufacturing facility, following released engineering drawings and assembly instructions using our work order system.

Worker Type

Regular

Position Responsibilities

• Mechanical assembly of subassemblies using hand and/or power tools
• Final assembly of ground control equipment and air vehicles
• Testing and troubleshooting of subassemblies and final assemblies
• Work with other Production Technicians and Engineering to correct and improve any documents related to the assembly process at the required high-quality standard
• Ensure that work order protocols are followed and that paperwork is completed as the work is performed
• Train other technicians on product assembly or established assembly processes
• Conduct in-process quality checks to ensure items built meet established high-quality standards
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to improve assembly efficiency, product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and validate released assembly/fabrication documentation
• Follow established procedures on routine work and request instruction on new assignments when needed
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Assist engineering on new product development efforts where documentation and assembly instructions are not yet finalized
• Handle assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues
• Operate with limited instruction on daily work and general guidance on newly introduced assignments
• Perform other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment in either electronics or electro‑mechanical assembly and test, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Experience with hand tools, including crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools and air tools
• Ability to solder as part of assembly functions and duties
• Good manual dexterity and basic computer operation skills
• 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
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing methodologies is desired
• Familiarity with Safety and ESD practices is desired
• Strong oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively with employees in the Company
• 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
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve 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
• Frequent use of hand tools (e.g., clamps) using light, minimal force
• Regularly required to sit for long periods and occasionally stand for short periods
• Frequent lifting and/or carrying objects of small size between 2 lbs and 5 lbs
• Frequent hand-to-finger, hand-to-tool, or hand-to-control manipulation and balance
• Occasional walking
• Occasional reaching with hands and arms; stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling; ability to talk or hear
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary Range For This Role

$23 – $35

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR, or be a person approved for an export license by the governing agency. U.S. Citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and individuals granted asylum or refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) are considered U.S. persons. Additional positioning: 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action employer, including disability and veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. 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.