Manufacturing Engineer III

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Manufacturing Engineer III designs and operates the manufacturing systems for AeroVironment's Unmanned Air Vehicles. In this role, the Manufacturing Engineer chooses the best technologies and processes for manufacturing, planning and designing the factory as well as managing the maintenance & continuous improvement of the manufacturing process. One has strong knowledge in manufacturing production processes, specifically creating and monitoring automated systems and new technology development. One defines, maintains, and supports manufacturing processes utilized in the manufacture of Small Unmanned Air Vehicles. Position Responsibilities: Creates and manages equipment specifications, equipment documentation for development, qualification and support of assembly and test equipment for production Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methodology to achieve continuous improvement in productivity, quality, and lead time Works on Manufacturing Strategies and capacity models for new and current products, including estimation and maintenance of capital requisitions Generates new and reviews existing work instructions, assembly procedures and supporting documentation controlling the manufacturing process Cost estimating of new tooling and fixtures required to support production floor. Leads Make/Buy analysis on assemblies with cross-functional team Performs Design for Manufacturing, cost, and reliability analysis on new products with the design engineering team Works with suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure receipt of conforming parts and assemblies Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience): Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical or similar field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Minimum of 5 years of experience in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Test Engineering or similar field in Aerospace, Automotive, or Commercial industries Experienced in Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma Methodology is required Experienced with electro-mechanical manufacturing, drawings, procedures and Bill of Materials is required Experienced using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Access, Project), and CAD programs (SolidWorks is preferred) Occasional travel to supplier sites Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies: Specific experience with sheet metal fabrication, plastics, composite layups, printed circuit board assembly, mechanical assembly, calibration and testing processes is desired Organization/planning, communication (oral and written), time management, conflict management, ability to manage stress, deadlines and work independently Demonstrates competency as a problem solver who is familiar with root cause analysis techniques 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 Demonstrates effective time management, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills Excels at teamwork, collaboration and putting the success of the team above one's own interests Physical Demands: Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Travel: 10-25% travel is expected to support meetings, supplier visits, and test events. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $91,000 - $138,750 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. 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. 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: We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. Careers at AeroVironment