Engineering Development Tech III

AeroVironment•Lawrence, KS

12d

About The Position

The Engineering Development Technician III works on advanced unmanned systems for defense and commercial applications, contributing to their development, build, integration, and maintenance. The role provides mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, troubleshooting, repair, and testing for integrated systems. It also builds low-volume prototype assemblies and fabricates development test fixtures, tools, and molds. The technician works with engineering teams to provide product design feedback and to document processes and build techniques. The role includes maintaining shop equipment and keeping laboratory and machine shop areas safe, clean, organized, and in good working order. It also includes participation in the explosives safety program and travel to test sites for development testing. Development work may involve long, irregular hours, weekends, and some holidays, including work in field test environments.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school.
At least 7 years of technical experience, with emphasis in machining, composites, rapid prototyping, and electronics.
General proficiency with Microsoft Office software and general computer skills.
Demonstrated familiarity with aircraft and/or remote-control (R/C) experience.
In-depth understanding and proficiency in using machine shop tools.
Experience building fixtures, tools, parts, or electrical devices.
Good understanding of build and assembly documentation development.
In-depth knowledge, including repair and test, in at least two areas: fabrication, composites, mechanics, or electronics.
Maintain high standards of work practice and comply with safety guidelines and policies.
Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
Ability to travel locally and domestically, including by driving and flying, to test sites.
Ability to work long, irregular hours around deadlines, including weekends and some holidays, and in field test environments.
Manual dexterity and ability to use manual and automated machining tools and a soldering iron.
Ability to move and carry heavy equipment and lift up to 50 pounds, including objects of varying sizes and shapes for setups and assemblies.
Ability to meet California laws governing acceptable respirator use.
Ability to sit and stand for long periods and to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and/or telephone keyboard.
Ability to interpret verbal and written engineering instructions, ask for clarification when needed, and update or generate documentation, including drawings and procedures.
Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
Ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
Effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a focus on teamwork and collaboration.

Nice To Haves

Higher education and welding certifications.
Opportunity to receive an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot's license; it is not required.
Experience with 3D modeling and programming software such as SolidWorks or SURFCAM.
Exposure to 3D additive manufacturing technology.
Experience working with composites, including wet layup or prepreg materials.
Machinist skills and familiarity with GD&T.

Responsibilities

Provide mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systems.
Operate and maintain shop equipment and tools, including hand tools, power tools, soldering irons, manual lathes and mills, and 3D printers.
Meet scheduled timelines and, when necessary, aggressive deadlines for preparing hardware for project milestones.
Attend project meetings to discuss schedules, designs, hardware status, and other critical information.
Document processes and build techniques to support equipment readiness and transition of responsibilities.
Build low-volume assemblies during the prototype phase of the product lifecycle.
Fabricate development test fixtures, tools, and molds.
Provide product design feedback to improve performance, manufacturability, safety, reliability, and cost.
Keep laboratory and machine shop areas and equipment safe, clean, organized, and in good working order.
Maintain and participate in the explosives safety program.
Travel locally and domestically by driving and flying to test sites and participate in development testing.
Perform other duties as assigned.