Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Flight Test Engineer III designs, develops, and implements cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting systems for small, unmanned air vehicles.

Position Responsibilities

Develop System Test Plans, for small unmanned air vehicles and missiles, execute simulator and flight tests, and document test results
Assist the Flight Test Director during flight tests
Determine and communicate flight test objectives. Develop test cards that meet flight test objectives
Review System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testable
Participate in flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs
Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipment
Process and analyze test data to determine test results
Capture test activities, fill in test data sheets, and transfer telemetry files to the network
Details test activities in reports and enters test failures or anomalies in an issue tracking system database
Resolves a wide range of issues in creative and effective ways
Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
Demonstrates good judgment in selectin methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, receiving little instruction on day-to-day work
Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Software, Systems or Aerospace Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum of 5 - 8 years of experience in related industry, including conducting system or flight tests
Demonstrates strong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools
Understanding of the functionality of major aircraft sub-systems and avionics
Strong communication skills, including: documenting test plans, procedures, and reports; verbally directing UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests; capturing system test requirements; recording test failures; and reporting test results
Determine regression test requirements based on specific sub-system modifications
Ability to analyze large test data sets using software tools, like MATLAB or Excel
Can effectively develop ad-hoc tests to troubleshoot test failures
Position requires travel within and outside the Continental U.S. (About 10% - 30%)
Due to scheduling demands, must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Advance degree in Electrical, Software, Systems or Aerospace Engineering is preferred
Experience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficial
Preferred candidate will have the ability to work with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modifications
Has effective problem-solving and analytical skills as well as sound judgment
Has strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others across disciplines
Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
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

Physical Demands

Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Constant)
Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Constant)
Lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs of cases of varying size (Frequent)
Lift and/or move up to 50lb cases of varying sizes & shapes (Occasional)
Talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

$89,630 - $127,050

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.

ITAR Requirement:

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”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the 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. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. 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. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. 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. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. 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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

AeroVironment, Inc.

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Flight Test Engineer III