Lead Manufacturing Engineer

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.

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.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 
• 5–10+ years of experience in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or Test Engineering in aerospace, defense, automotive, or similar high reliability industries. 
• Experience supporting or managing contract manufacturers or external suppliers for electrical and/or mechanical assemblies. 
• Working knowledge of electro mechanical manufacturing, including interpretation of drawings, specifications, and Bills of Material. 
• Familiarity with PCB-based products, sheet metal, machined parts, and basic integration/assembly processes. 
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles and tools for process development and control. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; Visio/Project a plus). 
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools (e.g., MiniTab), MRP/ERP systems (Oracle preferred), PLM/Change systems (e.g., Agile), and CAD programs (SolidWorks preferred). 
• Experience working with ECO/ECN processes. 
• Ability and willingness to travel to CM/supplier sites (up to ~25%, as needed).

• Certification in Lean / Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) preferred. 
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills, including root cause analysis techniques (5 Why, fishbone, 8D participation). 
• Strong organization, planning, and time management skills; able to handle multiple priorities across internal and CM activities. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; able to collaborate with engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, and CM personnel. 
• Ability to work within defined requirements and deadlines and to perform independently with moderate oversight. 
• Comfortable in a fast paced, deadline driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties. 
• Demonstrated initiative, ownership, and a continuous improvement mindset. 
• Experience working within ISO based or similar quality systems.

• U.S. Citizenship required. 
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

• Ability to work in an office environment (constant). 
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent). 
• Ability to work in lab and production environments, including CM facilities, as needed (occasional).