Engineering Development Tech III

AeroVironment•Lawrence, KS

1d•$25 - $38

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 position provides mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systems. It also builds low-volume prototype assemblies and fabricates development test fixtures, tools, and molds. The technician operates and maintains shop equipment, including hand and power tools, soldering irons, manual lathes and mills, and 3D printers. The role works to project timelines and milestones, attends project meetings, documents processes and build techniques, and provides product-design feedback to engineering teams. It also maintains safe, clean, organized laboratory and machine-shop areas and participates in the explosives safety program. Local and domestic travel to test sites and development testing is required; some development periods involve long, irregular hours, weekends, holidays, and field-test environments.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent and/or an equivalent technical-school certificate.
At least 7 years of technical experience, emphasizing 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 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 testing, in at least two of these areas: fabrication, composites, mechanics, and 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 to test sites and participate in development testing.
Periods of development may require long, irregular hours, weekends, holidays, and work in field-test environments.
Manual dexterity and ability to use manual and automated machining tools and a soldering iron.
Ability to move or 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 work in a manufacturing environment.
ITAR/EAR eligibility: applicants must qualify as a U.S. person or be eligible for an export license; U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

Nice To Haves

Higher education.
Welding certifications.
Experience with 3D modeling and programming software such as SolidWorks or SURFCAM.
Exposure to 3D additive manufacturing technology.
Experience with composites, including wet layup or prepreg materials.
Machinist skills and familiarity with GD&T.
The opportunity to obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot's license is available, but the license is not required.
Ability to interpret verbal and written engineering instructions, seek clarification when needed, and update or generate documentation such as 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; teamwork and collaboration focused on the success of the team.

Responsibilities

Provide mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, troubleshooting, repair, and testing for 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 deadlines to prepare hardware for project milestones.
Attend project meetings to discuss schedules, designs, hardware status, and other critical information.
Document important processes and build techniques to support equipment readiness and transitions of responsibility.
Build low-volume assemblies during the prototype phase of the product lifecycle.
Fabricate development test fixtures, tools, and molds.
Provide product-design feedback to engineering teams 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 car and airplane, to test sites and participate in development testing.
Perform other duties as assigned.