Production Technician III

U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) required per ITAR definition.

About the role

The Production Technician III primarily tests and assembles Small Unmanned Aerial System products in our manufacturing facility, following released engineering drawings and assembly instructions using our work order system.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical assembly of subassemblies using hand and/or power tools
• Final assembly of ground control equipment and air vehicles
• Testing and troubleshooting of subassemblies and final assemblies
• Work with other Production Technicians and Engineering to correct and improve assembly-process documentation to meet high-quality standards
• Ensure work-order protocols are followed and paperwork is completed as work is performed
• Train other technicians on product builds or established assembly processes
• Conduct in-process quality checks to ensure items meet established high-quality standards
• Work with manufacturing engineers to improve assembly efficiency, product quality, and reduce manufacturing costs; validate released assembly/fabrication documentation
• Follow established procedures on routine work; may require instruction on new assignments
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Work with engineering on new product development where documentation and assembly instructions are not yet finalized
• Resolve moderately difficult assignments requiring judgement
• Receive little instruction on daily work and general instructions on newly introduced assignments
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment in electronics or electro-mechanical assembly and test, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Experience with hand tools (crimpers, drills, taps, torque wrenches, power tools, air tools)
• Ability to solder as part of assembly duties
• Good manual dexterity and basic computer operation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail with ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

Qualifications

• Vocational training in Electronics or Solder Certification preferred
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics desired
• Versed in Lean Manufacturing methodologies desired
• Familiarity with Safety and ESD practices desired
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with small teams sharing 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 improving performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration, and puts team success above individual interests

Training

This role requires weekly travel from Salt Lake City, UT to Simi Valley, CA for training for the first 30 days of employment. Travel, lodging, meals, and ground transportation will be provided. After the training period, the position is based in Salt Lake City, UT.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment
• Frequent use of hand tools (e.g., clamps) using light, minimal force
• Regularly required to sit for long periods and occasionally stand for short periods
• Frequently lift and/or carry small objects between 2 lbs and 5 lbs
• Frequently required to use hand-to-finger coordination, handle objects, tools, or controls, and maintain balance
• Occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Pay

The salary range for this role is $21 – $31 per hour. AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including location, role, responsibilities, 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 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.