Industrial Engineer III, Continuous Improvement

Worker Type Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Industrial Engineer III, Continuous Improvement is responsible for analyzing, designing, and optimizing manufacturing processes and systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality. This role involves a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and project management capabilities to drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This role involves collaborating with internal and external teams to develop and implement new manufacturing processes and technologies.

Position Responsibilities

• Analyze existing production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and potential areas for improvement.

• Experience with ramping up production volumes from low initial rates to higher volume full rate productions with demonstrated success.

• Develop and implement process improvements using Lean Manufacturing methodologies.

• Implement and manage lean application development at site level, including but not limited to training on lean tools, assessments, and site development action plans.

• Generate value stream maps, identify opportunities for improvement, manage improvement plan.

• Develop capacity models for new and current production processes. Analyze and maintain models after improvements. Experience with Digital Twin Simulation software for modeling, scenario management, and optimization of factory processes.

• Develop and execute the strategy for visual management and real-time data display across the manufacturing facility, aligning with overall business objectives and strategies. Standardize the visual reporting practices and ensure consistency across all production lines and shifts.

• Analyze KPI trends and provide actionable insights to management and floor supervisors to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Foster a culture of accountability by empowering teams to use data to make decisions and take action.

• Analyze existing production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and potential areas for improvement.

• Experience with ramping up production volumes from low initial rates to higher volume full rate productions with demonstrated success.

• Develop and implement process improvements using Lean Manufacturing methodologies.

• Implement and manage lean application development at site level, including but not limited to training on lean tools, assessments, and site development action plans.

• Generate value stream maps, identify opportunities for improvement, manage improvement plan.

• Develop capacity models for new and current production processes. Analyze and maintain models after improvements. Experience with Digital Twin Simulation software for modeling, scenario management, and optimization of factory processes.

• Develop and execute the strategy for visual management and real-time data display across the manufacturing facility, aligning with overall business objectives and strategies. Standardize the visual reporting practices and ensure consistency across all production lines and shifts.

• Analyze KPI trends and provide actionable insights to management and floor supervisors to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Foster a culture of accountability by empowering teams to use data to make decisions and take action.

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree required in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Advanced degree, MBA or MS is preferred.

• 5-8 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Advanced understanding in Lean Manufacturing methodologies.

• Ability to work at a minimum of 80% of the time on the production floor.

• Experience with simulation software (e.g., SIMIO) and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).

• Displays strong initiative, drive to accomplish goals, and meet company objectives.

• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past deliverables.

• Ability to prototype and iterate on visual designs.

• Experience with 3D printing software, equipment, and materials.

• Strong data analysis skills, with proficiency in using tools such as Minitab, Excel, and SQL

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong analytical, time management and organizational skills.

• Strong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools.

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

• Works well with little or no supervision and exercises independent judgement on a regular basis.

• Ability to gain cooperation of others, conducting presentations of technical information concerning specific projects or schedules.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift up to 35 lbs., bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.

• May require travel to sites/program and special functions.

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance

• Work is in an office and manufacturing environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.

• May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.

Training Travel Requirement:

• This position requires initial travel to Simi Valley, CA for training. Travel, lodging, meals, and ground transportation will be provided.

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