Manufacturing Engineer III

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer III to design and operate the manufacturing systems for AeroVironment's Unmanned Air Vehicles. In this role, you will choose the best technologies and processes for manufacturing, plan and design the factory, and manage the maintenance and continuous improvement of the manufacturing process. You will define, maintain, and support manufacturing processes utilized in the manufacture of Small Unmanned Air Vehicles.

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.
• Generate Value Stream Maps to reduce cycle time, waste, variation, and low production yields.
• Work on Manufacturing Strategies and capacity models for new and current products, including estimation and maintenance of capital requisitions.
• Generate new and review existing work instructions, assembly procedures, and supporting documentation controlling the manufacturing process.
• Cost estimating of new tooling and fixtures required to support the production floor.
• Lead Make/Buy analysis on assemblies with a cross-functional team.
• Perform Design for Manufacturing, cost, and reliability analysis on new products with the design engineering team.
• Work with suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure receipt of conforming parts and assemblies.
• Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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, PowerPoint, Access, Project), MiniTab, Oracle, Agile, and CAD programs (SolidWorks is preferred).
• Occasional travel to supplier sites (up to 30%).

Qualifications

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Specific experience with sheet metal fabrication, plastics, composite layups, printed circuit board assembly, mechanical assembly, calibration, and testing processes is desired.
• Strong organization/planning, communication (oral and written), time management, conflict management, and 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).

This position requires access to information 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 ITAR and EAR, or be eligible for an export license. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $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.

Benefits

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

About the Company

AeroVironment isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. 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.