Aeromechanical Engineer II

About the Role

A key member of an air vehicle IPT team of small UAV systems for both military and commercial applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of vehicle design from initial concept to complete production-ready design.
• Resolve design challenges and coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering groups.
• Conduct informal and formal presentations.
• Use scientific and engineering principles to assess deficiencies in any given design and the impact of potential changes.
• Complete assigned tasks within project schedule and budget.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• 2 - 5 years' relevant experience in a technical and design capacity within an engineering organization.
• Demonstrated competency in Mechanical Engineering processes and design/analysis tools; solving Mechanics & Kinematics problems; and solving Thermodynamics problems.
• Experienced with designing: machined parts, composite parts, injection molded parts, sheet metal parts, wire assemblies, and mechanical assemblies for low, medium, and high volume manufacturing processes.
• Experienced with: mechanical, lab, field, flight, and environmental testing.
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering configuration management processes.
• Demonstrated understanding of metallic, plastic, and composite material properties.
• Experienced in solving basic structural dynamics problems.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of industry design and documentation standards (GD&T, ASME, Change Control, etc.).

Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks EPDM, Agile PLM, and MATLAB is desired.
• Creativity and interest to invent and improve vehicle systems; motivated to make this happen.
• Knowledge and experience of analytical techniques and tools for FEA, Thermal, Aerodynamics is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with metal and composite fabrication and 3D printing is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with UAVs and related engineering design processes is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with electro-mechanical/mechanism design, aerodynamics, “data engineering” (instrumentation/data acquisition/data analysis) is preferred.
• Competent in working from high-level program requirements.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; competency in communicating effectively with the intended audience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others across disciplines.
• Good presentation skills for formal reviews both internally and externally.
• 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.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.

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).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $74,500 - $113,500. 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401K with company matching.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Paid holiday shutdown.

Additional Information

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”). 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. 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. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

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.