Test Technician Team Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holidays

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Simi Valley, CA is seeking a Test Technician Team Lead to lead and perform testing of Small Unmanned Aircraft System products in our manufacturing facility.

You will follow engineering drawings and assembly instructions, using our work order system, and mentor junior technicians. Responsibilities include mechanical subassembly and final assembly, testing and troubleshooting, ensuring quality, and collaborating with production and engineering to improve processes.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• 2–4 years in a manufacturing or production environment in electronics or electro-mechanical assembly and test.
• Good manual dexterity and basic computer operation skills.
• Experience with hand tools including crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools and air tools.
• Strong analytical, problem solving skills and attention to detail with ability to interpret a variety of instructions.
• Able to perform problem solving analysis 5 whys.

Responsibilities

• Primary duty is the mechanical assembly of subassemblies using small hand and/or power tools.
• Final assembly of ground control equipment and air vehicles.
• Testing and troubleshooting of subassemblies and final assemblies.
• Collaborate with Production Technicians and Engineering to improve assembly documents and ensure high quality standards.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to improve assembly efficiency, product quality, and costs.
• Ensure work order protocols are followed and paperwork is accurate.
• May train other technicians to build a product or follow assembly processes.
• May conduct in-process quality checks to ensure high quality items.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Follow established procedures on routine work and learn new assignments.
• Work with engineering on new product development where docs are not finalized.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior Test Technicians.

Skills

Hand tools

Crimpers

Drills

Taps

Torque wrenches

Power tools

Manual dexterity

Analytical skills

Problem solving

5 whys

Education

High School diploma or GED Equivalent

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The 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 vehicles
• Testing and troubleshooting of subassemblies and final assemblies
• 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
• Work 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 also train other technicians to build a product or follow an established assembly process
• May conduct in-process quality checks to ensure that items built are to established high quality standards
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment
• Follows established procedures on routine work and may require instruction on new assignments
• Works with engineering on new product development efforts where documentation and assembly instructions are not yet finalized
• Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative. Understands implications of work and makes recommendations
• Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior level Test Technician
• 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 is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Must have good manual dexterity and basic computer operation skills
• Experience with hand tools, including crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools and air tools is required
• 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
• Able to perform problem solving analysis 5 whys

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Vocational training in Electronics or Solder Certification is preferred
• Versed in Lean Manufacturing methodologies is desired
• Familiarity with Safety and ESD practices is desired
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics is desired
• Work with engineering on new product development efforts where documentation and assembly instructions are not yet finalized
• Receives little instructions on daily work and general instructions on newly introduced assignments
• 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 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

Special 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 Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$26 - $40

AeroVironment 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.

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required