AV · 3 days ago
Test Equipment Engineering Technician III
AeroVironment is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and tactical missile systems. They are seeking a Test Equipment Engineering Technician III to independently support and lead the development and sustainment of complex electro-mechanical test equipment for advanced unmanned systems. The role involves collaboration with engineering teams, technical leadership in fabrication, and contributions to design improvement and process optimization.
AerospaceAir TransportationDronesElectric VehicleElectronicsEnergyGovernmentManufacturing
Responsibilities
Responsible for assembly and integration of electro-mechanical test systems, tooling & fixtures
Responsible for sustaining electromechanical, automated test equipment and fixtures on the production floor as well as supplier sites
Assist test equipment and tooling designers in design from initial concept through build, test and customer deployment
Take ownership of significant portion of the test equipment fabrication, validation, deployment and process improvements
Experienced with assembly and PCBA test methods
Designs and implements circuit boards. This includes component selection, schematic capture, board layout, board bring-up, and documentation
Conducts mechanical, electrical, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systems
Responsible for operating and maintain shop equipment and tools (Hand tools, power tools, solder irons, manual lathe and mills, 3D printers, etc.), and tracking projects, and ordering materials
Instructs and teaches Engineering team members on using shop equipment safely, properly and effectively
Provide specialized rapid prototyping fabrication and assembly services to build prototype product hardware
Meet scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have hardware ready for project milestones
Provide planning assistance for rapid prototyping activities to support overall product development project goals and milestones
Effectively document important processes and build techniques for successful readiness of equipment and transition of responsibilities to other individuals
Lead technician support to engineering projects
Responsible for Fabrication of development test fixtures, tools or molds
Provide product design feedback to the engineering team to improve product performance, manufacturability, safety, reliability, and cost
Ensure that laboratory and machine shop areas and equipment are safe, clean, in good working order, and organized for all engineering staff to efficiently work
Maintain and participate in explosives safety program
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
High School diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school
Experience in designing the following types of parts: machined parts, simple composite parts, sheet metal parts, wire & cable assemblies, mechanical assemblies
Minimum 4-6 years of experience designing complex electro-mechanical assembly systems
Proven experience in creating engineering drawings in compliance with ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices, Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and other applicable ASME Y14 series standards
Demonstrates understanding of engineering configuration management processes and material properties
Hands-on skills such as soldering, circuit prototyping, wiring etc
Requires general proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills
Analyze designs for potential improvement in terms of efficiency, manufacturability and cost-effectiveness
Strong understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and material selection
Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and able to work well with others across disciplines
Familiarity with PCB design process
Demonstrates competency in interpreting instructions given by engineering team (verbal or written), asking for clarity where needed, and updating or generation of documentation, which could include drawings and procedures
Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Requires manual dexterity and ability to effectively use machining tools, both manual and automated
Requires use of soldering iron to assist with electrical assembly
Ability to move and/or carry heavy equipment
Ability to meet California laws governing the acceptable use of a respirator
Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds as well as objects of varying sizes and shapes for setups and assemblies for various internal customers
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and/or telephone keyboard
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment
U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), per ITAR definition
Preferred
Some experience with SolidWorks EPDM
Experience in designing tooling or test equipment is preferred
In-depth experience with 3D additive manufacturing technology desired
Candidate may have the opportunity to receive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot's license but not required
Benefits
Medical
Dental vision
401K with company matching
A 9/80 work schedule
A paid holiday shutdown
Company
AV
At AV, we build shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers, delivering systems shaped by real-world missions, not theoretical requirements.
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.68B2025-07-01Post Ipo Equity· $875M
2025-07-01Post Ipo Debt· $650M
2023-09-19Post Ipo Equity· $109.01M
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