Manufacturing Engineering Tech (Assembly)

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. 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
Generate Value Stream Maps to reduce cycle time, waste, variation, and low production yields
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
Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical or similar field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum of 5 - 8 years of experience in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Test Engineering or similar field in Aerospace, Automotive, or Commercial industries
Experienced in Lean Manufacturing and 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), MiniTab, Oracle, Agile, and CAD programs (SolidWorks is preferred)
Occasional travel to supplier sites (up to 30%)
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
Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)
talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

100,500 - $153,250 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.
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”). S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. 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. We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.
We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. 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.
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. 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.