Job Information
AeroVironment Engineering Development Tech IV in Huntsville, Alabama
Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Engineering Development Technician IV will have the opportunity to work on a variety of advanced unmanned systems to develop solutions for a variety of defense and commercial applications. This will include contributing to the development, build, integration, and maintenance of these systems.
Position Responsibilities
Conducts mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, 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, material use and ROI
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
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
High School diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school
12+ years of technical experience (emphasis in machining, composites, rapid prototyping environment and electronics)
Requires general proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills
Demonstrated familiarity with aircraft and/or Remote Control (R/C) experience
Expert understanding of using machine shop tools and shows proficiency with these systems
Experience with building fixtures, tools and parts or electrical devices
In-depth understanding of build/assembly documentation development
Expert knowledge, including repair and test, in at least two areas: Fabrication, Composites, Mechanics, Electronics
In-depth knowledge of 3D modeling and programming software (such as SolidWorks/SURFCAM) desired
Maintain a high level of work practice and ensure all safety guidelines and policies are met.
Requires local/domestic travel (both driving and flying) to test site locations and participating in development testing
Must have a valid Driver's license and clean driving record
Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends and some holidays and in field test environments
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Higher education and Welding certifications are desired
Candidate may have the opportunity to receive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot's license but not required
In-depth experience with 3D additive manufacturing technology desired
Experience working with composites, either wet layup or prepreg materials, is desired
Skills as a machinist and with GD&T desired
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
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
Physical Demands
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
Special Requirements
- U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), per ITAR definition
The salary range for this role is:
$35 - $47
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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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.
Who We Are
Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.
Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.
What We Do
Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
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. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.
ABOUT US
At AeroVironment, our purpose is to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. Our solutions give our customers a fresh vantage point, positioning them to see the world with new eyes and extending their reach beyond the line of sight. That is the power of our breakthrough unmanned aircraft systems, perfected and refined over a half century.
Whether they are warfighters searching for an enemy, border patrol agents searching for people in need of assistance, or telecom providers linking millions to the digital economy, our customers choose AeroVironment because our systems generate actionable intelligence reliably, creating a path to goals that would otherwise be unattainable.
Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)