Engineering Development Technician IV

About the Role

The Engineering Development Technician IV will work on a variety of advanced unmanned systems to develop solutions for defense and commercial applications. This includes contributing to the development, build, integration, and maintenance of these systems.

Responsibilities

• Conducts mechanical, electrical, and composite fabrication support, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of integrated systems.
• Operates and maintains shop equipment and tools (hand tools, power tools, solder irons, manual lathe and mills, 3D printers, etc.), and tracks projects, material use, and ROI.
• Instructs and teaches Engineering team members on using shop equipment safely, properly, and effectively.
• Provides specialized rapid prototyping fabrication and assembly services to build prototype product hardware.
• Meets scheduled timelines and, in some cases, aggressive deadlines to have hardware ready for project milestones.
• Provides planning assistance for rapid prototyping activities to support overall product development project goals and milestones.
• Effectively documents important processes and build techniques for successful readiness of equipment and transition of responsibilities to other individuals.
• Leads technician support to engineering projects.
• Fabricates development test fixtures, tools, or molds.
• Provides product design feedback to the engineering team to improve product performance, manufacturability, safety, reliability, and cost.
• Ensures that laboratory and machine shop areas and equipment are safe, clean, in good working order, and organized for all engineering staff to efficiently work.
• Maintains and participates in explosives safety program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent and/or equivalent certificate from a technical school.
• 12+ years of technical experience (emphasis in machining, composites, rapid prototyping environment, and electronics).
• General proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and general computer skills.
• Demonstrated familiarity with aircraft and/or Remote Control (R/C) experience.
• Expert understanding of using machine shop tools and proficiency with these systems.
• Experience with building fixtures, tools, parts, or electrical devices.
• In-depth understanding of build/assembly documentation development.
• Expert knowledge, including repair and test, in at least two areas: Fabrication, Composites, Mechanics, Electronics.
• In-depth knowledge of 3D modeling and programming software (such as SolidWorks/SURFCAM) desired.
• Maintains a high level of work practice and ensures all safety guidelines and policies are met.
• Requires local/domestic travel (both driving and flying) to test site locations and participating in development testing.
• Must have a valid Driver's license and clean driving record.
• Periods of development may require long irregular hours around deadlines, weekends, and some holidays in field test environments.
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), per ITAR definition.

Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Higher education and Welding certifications are desired.
• Opportunity to receive FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot's license but not required.
• In-depth experience with 3D additive manufacturing technology desired.
• Experience working with composites, either wet layup or prepreg materials, is desired.
• Skills as a machinist and with GD&T desired.
• Demonstrates competency in interpreting instructions given by engineering team (verbal or written), asking for clarity where needed, and updating or generating documentation, which could include drawings and procedures.
• 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.
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration, and puts the success of the team above one's own interests.

Physical Demands

• Requires manual dexterity and ability to effectively use machining tools, both manual and automated.
• Requires use of soldering iron to assist with electrical assembly.
• Ability to move and/or carry heavy equipment.
• Ability to meet California laws governing the acceptable use of a respirator.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds as well as objects of varying sizes and shapes for setups and assemblies for various internal customers.
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and/or telephone keyboard.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.

Clearance Level

Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one is desired.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $31 - $48 per hour.

Benefits

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

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.