Technical Illustrator I

AeroVironment•San Diego, CA

9d•$56,500 - $86,250•Hybrid

About The Position

The Technical Illustrator I provides technical illustration support and graphic layouts for product illustrations and photo-documentation for the Technical Communications Department. The role creates and adapts visuals for customer-facing documentation, technical manuals, quick reference guides (QRGs), CDRLs, and engineering design reviews. It also prepares simplified 3D CAD models and maintains consistent graphic formats, version control, brand consistency, and a central graphics repository. This position is based in an office environment with a hybrid arrangement. It requires occasional extended hours on short notice, including night and weekend support, to meet critical proposal production schedules and other deadlines. Applicants must satisfy applicable ITAR/EAR requirements: qualify as a U.S. person or be eligible for an export license. 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 SolidWorks 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 accurate work quickly and effectively under strict deadlines.
Ability to provide surge support with extended hours on short notice, including occasional nights and weekends.
Ability to work in an office environment and sit and stand for long periods; frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard, and ability to talk and hear.
Must meet applicable ITAR/EAR eligibility requirements by qualifying as a U.S. person or being eligible for an export license.

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 based on 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.
Ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
Effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Teamwork and collaboration, prioritizing team success.

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 showing functional or proximal-zone relationships among 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 graphics repository.
Create new visuals while maintaining brand consistency.
Perform other duties as assigned.