Technical Illustrator I

AeroVironment•San Diego, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Technical Illustrator I supports technical illustrations and graphic layouts, including product illustrations and photo-documentation, for the Technical Communications Department. The role creates and alters customer-facing visuals for technical manuals, quick reference guides (QRGs), contract data requirements lists (CDRLs), and engineering design reviews. It also prepares simplified 3D CAD models and exports graphics in consistent formats while maintaining version control and supporting a central graphics repository. The position requires creating new visuals while maintaining brand consistency. This role works in an office environment on a hybrid basis. It requires the ability to provide surge support with extended hours on short notice for critical proposal schedules and other deadlines, occasionally including nights and weekends. The position requires access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information; applicants must meet the stated U.S.-person or export-license eligibility requirements. Some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in graphic design, Computer-Aided Drafting, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2–4 years of experience as a Design/Drafter, Technical Illustrator, or Graphic Designer.
Engineering drawing print-reading skills, including dimensions in imperial and metric units.
Understanding of engineering assembly bills of material and component materials and finishes specifications.
Proficiency in Solid Works CAD, EDPM/vault, Solidworks Visualize, Solidworks Composer, Keyshot 10, and MS Office.
Strong attention to detail and revision control.
Excellent photography and digital photo manipulation skills.
Proficiency in PowerPoint, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Proactive and self-motivated, with effective communication skills and the ability to produce consistently accurate work quickly and effectively under strict deadlines.
Ability to provide occasional night and weekend support and extended hours on short notice for critical schedules and tight deadlines.
Ability to work in an office environment on a hybrid basis.
Ability to sit and stand for long periods and to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard frequently.
Must meet ITAR/EAR eligibility requirements as a U.S. person or be eligible for an export license; some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

Department of Defense and/or aerospace experience.
Rhino and other CAD experience.
Ability to accept constructive criticism and promptly implement creative decisions in response to customer feedback while maintaining AV style guidelines.
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.
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
Effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Focus on teamwork and collaboration, prioritizing the success of the team.

Responsibilities

Create infographics, technical illustrations, and photographs for customer-facing documentation.
Alter existing digital assets for technical manuals, QRGs, CDRLs, and engineering design reviews.
Generate orthographic and/or angled views depicting functional or proximal-zone relationships of components, assemblies, and systems.
Create exploded assembly views.
Create simplified graphics from complex concepts.
Prepare simplified 3D CAD models for internal and external use in formats including .obj, .step, .sldprt, .fbx, .iges, and .stl.
Export graphics in consistent formats while maintaining version control.
Assist with maintaining and creating a central repository of graphics.
Create new visuals while maintaining brand consistency.
Perform other duties as assigned.