Production Technician III

AeroVironment•Simi Valley, CA

About The Position

The Production Technician III tests and assembles Small Unmanned Aerial System products in a manufacturing facility, following released engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work-order processes. This entry-level role performs routine work under close supervision and may require instruction on new assignments. The technician works with production technicians and engineering teams to maintain high assembly quality and improve assembly documentation, efficiency, product quality, and manufacturing costs. The role requires working in a manufacturing environment, using hand and power tools, and completing work-order protocols and paperwork as work is performed. The technician may perform in-process quality checks and is responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work area. Some assignments may involve supporting new-product development when documentation and assembly instructions are not yet finalized. This position requires access to information controlled by ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under those regulations or be eligible for an export license; some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements. The stated salary range is $23–$35. AeroVironment says offers may consider factors including location, responsibilities, work experience, education or training, and skills.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Typically requires 2 years of related experience in a manufacturing or production environment involving electronics or electro-mechanical assembly and testing, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Experience with hand tools, including crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools, and air tools.
Good manual dexterity and basic computer operation skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively with company employees.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
Applicants must meet applicable ITAR/EAR requirements as a U.S. person or qualify for an export license; some positions require current U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Vocational training in electronics.
Basic understanding of Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
Familiarity with safety and ESD practices.
Ability to read blueprints and schematics.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
Initiative, accountability, commitment to learning from mistakes and continuous improvement, and a collaborative, team-focused approach.

Responsibilities

Mechanically assemble subassemblies using small hand and/or power tools; some soldering may be required.
Perform final assembly of ground-control equipment and air vehicles.
Test and troubleshoot subassemblies and final assemblies.
Work with other Production Technicians and Engineering to correct and improve assembly-related documentation while maintaining high quality standards.
Work with manufacturing engineers to improve assembly efficiency and product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and validate released assembly and fabrication documentation.
Follow work-order protocols and complete work-order paperwork as work is performed.
Conduct in-process quality checks as needed to ensure work meets established quality standards.
Follow established procedures for routine work and seek instruction on new assignments as needed.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Support new-product development efforts with engineering when documentation and assembly instructions are not finalized.
Perform other duties as assigned.