Test Technician Team Lead

AeroVironment, Inc.; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Simi Valley, CA is seeking a Test Technician Team Lead to oversee mechanical assembly, test and troubleshoot LMS and related ground control equipment, guiding a team of technicians.

You will work with engineering to improve documentation, ensure adherence to work orders, mentor junior staff, and maintain a safe, efficient manufacturing environment, while complying with ITAR/EAR requirements.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required with manufacturing experience.
• 2–4 years in electronics or electro-mechanical assembly and test.
• Good manual dexterity and basic computer use.
• Ability to read written, oral, diagram or schedule instructions.
• Lean manufacturing familiarity and safety/ESD awareness is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assemble subassemblies and finalize ground control equipment and air vehicles.
• Test, troubleshoot subassemblies and final assemblies to high quality standards.
• Mentor junior technicians and lead documentation improvements with eng.
• Ensure work orders are followed and paperwork completed accurately.
• Help improve assembly processes to reduce costs and boost quality.
• Maintain a clean, safe workspace and support ITAR/EAR compliance.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team leadership

Train others

Education

High School diploma or GED

Electronics vocational training

Solder certification

Tools

Crimpers

Drills

Torque wrenches

Power tools

Air tools

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe primary responsibility of the Test Technician Team Lead is to test (Small Unmanned Aria System) (Loitering Munition Systems (LMS)) products in our manufacturing facility following released engineering drawings and assembly instructions using our work order system. Often serves as facilitator and lead, mentoring less experienced Technicians.Position Responsibilities:Primary duty is the mechanical assembly of subassemblies using small hand and/or power tools.Final assembly of ground control equipment and air vehiclesTesting and troubleshooting of subassemblies and final assembliesWorks with other Production Technicians and Engineering to correct and improve upon any documents related to the assembly process at the required high quality standardWork with manufacturing engineers to improve assembly efficiency, improve product quality, reduce manufacturing costs and validate released assembly/ fabrication documentationResponsible for ensuring that work order protocols are followed and that work order paperwork is completed as the work is performedMay also train other technicians to build a product or follow an established assembly processMay conduct in-process quality checks to ensure that items built are to established high quality standardsMaintains a clean and safe work environmentFollows established procedures on routine work and may require instruction on new assignmentsWorks with engineering on new product development efforts where documentation and assembly instructions are not yet finalizedWorks on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative. Understands implications of work and makes recommendationsWorks on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiativeProvide guidance and mentorship to junior level Test TechnicianOther duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):High School diploma or GED EquivalentMinimum of 2-4 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment in either electronics or electro-mechanical assembly and test is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceMust have good manual dexterity and basic computer operation skillsExperience with hand tools, including crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools and air tools is requiredStrong analytical, problem-solving skills and attention to detail with ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule formAble to perform problem solving analysis 5 whysOther Qualifications & Desired Competencies:Vocational training in Electronics or Solder Certification is preferredVersed in Lean Manufacturing methodologies is desiredFamiliarity with Safety and ESD practices is desiredAbility to read blueprints and schematics is desiredWork with engineering on new product development efforts where documentation and assembly instructions are not yet finalizedReceives little instructions on daily work and general instructions on newly introduced assignmentsAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyFocuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical Demands:Ability to work in a manufacturing environmentAbility to frequently use hand tools (e.g. clamps) using light, minimal forceRegularly required to sit for long periods and occasionally stand for short periodsFrequently lift and/or carry objects of small size between 2lbs and 5lbsFrequently required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and balanceOccasionally required to walkOccasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hearSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focusSpecial Requirements:U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$26 - $40AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.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.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.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.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.ITARU.S. Citizenship required