Flight Test Operator, Sr.

AeroVironment • Simi Valley, CA

1d • $30 - $43

About The Position

The Sr. Flight Test Operator is responsible for performing functional flight tests of AeroVironment's Unmanned Air Vehicles and equipment for quality assurance purposes. Flight tests are performed in the field utilizing various computerized test equipment. Conditions and testing locations may vary and require frequent local travel with some longer distance interstate travel. Position Responsibilities Primary point of contact between the internal customer and the company during acceptance testing Performs tests on AV Products including quality testing and customer acceptance tests. Support other department product testing as needed. Prepares test plans and detailed post flight test reports and provides pertinent feedback on observed aircraft performance for internal and external customers. Required to follow and ensure all safety protocol is adhered to. Must report all safety issues. May be required to write new safety procedures as needed with EH&S Conducts continuous training for other Flight Team members to ensure professional development and technical growth. Able to critically evaluate peer work and provide feedback and guidance. Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance. Able to provide insight on possible cause and effect. Performs responsibilities including responsibility for pre and post flight equipment checklists, managing flight test operations and personnel in the field, and reporting on activities. Works on assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues; Manages self and others in the field with limited Supervision. Focus on Puma 550 Platform with Quattro Autopilot Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 4 - 6 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Experienced working at an Aircraft Manufacturing company
• Articulates and documents product issues and offer insight to solutions. May be required to rewrite test procedures in the field.
• Demonstrated experience and competency in operating and training for multiple UAV systems.
• Must be able to pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate examination and follow on examinations as required.
• Must be able to maintain visual line of sight of UAV up to 1 kilometer away.
• Will be required to pass a semiannual proficiency examination and pass the semiannual unannounced written and field test examinations.
• Proficient with computerized work applications (including MS Word and automated time keeping)
• Must have and maintain a clean DMV record in order to drive company vehicles.
• Travel to various testing sights as required.
• Due to scheduling demands, must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• AA/AS Degree or Certificate from a technical trade school in Electronics or related is preferred.
• Prior Military experience desired
• Demonstrates skill at communicating critical observations of issues to management in writing and verbally.
• Demonstrates competency in making situational judgment calls to ensure the safety of the product, the customer, and staff.
• 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.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and able to clearly communicate with a diversified audience to include internal and external customers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and lead teams.
• Quattro / Vigilant Experience Preferred

Responsibilities

• Primary point of contact between the internal customer and the company during acceptance testing
• Performs tests on AV Products including quality testing and customer acceptance tests.
• Support other department product testing as needed.
• Prepares test plans and detailed post flight test reports and provides pertinent feedback on observed aircraft performance for internal and external customers.
• Required to follow and ensure all safety protocol is adhered to. Must report all safety issues.
• May be required to write new safety procedures as needed with EH&S
• Conducts continuous training for other Flight Team members to ensure professional development and technical growth.
• Able to critically evaluate peer work and provide feedback and guidance.
• Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance.
• Able to provide insight on possible cause and effect.
• Performs responsibilities including responsibility for pre and post flight equipment checklists, managing flight test operations and personnel in the field, and reporting on activities.
• Works on assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues
• Manages self and others in the field with limited Supervision.
• Focus on Puma 550 Platform with Quattro Autopilot
• Other duties as assigned.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED