Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Solder Technician Sr. tests and troubleshoots electronic and control systems for unmanned air vehicles.
Position Responsibilities
- Responsible for manufacturing, testing, inspection, and repair, of electrical systems and components
- Writes assembly and test procedures; Maintains a detailed notebook of all activities
- Operates and maintains tools in a safe and serviceable condition
- Works from written procedures and drawings as well as direct communication from engineering staff to fabricate electronic assemblies for small UAVs, including avionics, payloads, etc.
- Fabricates test fixtures, Debugs electronic subsystems
- Soldering of electrical and avionic components, including circuit boards
- Assembles and installs wire harnesses; assembles and installs UAV/RC electronic and mechanical systems
- Repairs UAV/RC subsystems. Helps build prototypes for initial designs and low volume builds that are not yet released into production
- Operates and maintains tools in a safe and serviceable condition
- Field testing/Flight testing may be required so some travel may be necessary
- Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative
- Completes tasks in resourceful and effective ways; Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may be informal team leader
- Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
- High School diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate from a trade/technical school required
- Minimum of 5 - 8 years of experience in an aircraft manufacturing or Aerospace R&D environment
- Strong computer skills and proficiency in MS Office
- Has knowledge to help translate an engineered design into build instructions which can be used by assembly and test personnel to duplicate the required product performance
- Experienced with electrical schematics necessary
- Experienced in interpreting and understanding electrical and mechanical drawing / schematics
- Demonstrated familiarity with electronics including hands-on experience with analog and digital hardware
- Experienced with prototype design and development of electronic systems- including avionics and/or controls
- Ability and willingness to work overtime and some weekends
- Must successfully pass a background check and drug test; Must have a Valid Driver's license and clean driving record
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
- The equivalent of a 2 - 4-year advanced studies beyond High School with emphasis in electronics, soldering, or equivalent job-related training in an R&D environment is preferred
- IPC610 J-STD-001 Soldering certification desirable
- Experience with CAD type design systems for creating schematics and/or hardware preferred
- Experience in a fast-paced R&D environment desired
- Must possess the ability to change direction frequently and multitask while maintaining focus
- Specific experience with wiring harnesses, plastics, composites and printed circuit board manufacturing is highly desirable.
- Consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, is a self-starter and works well with within a team
- Proven experience with basic analog and digital circuit troubleshooting and repair desired
- Proven experience with overall aircraft electronic fabrication desired
- Overall experience with UAV's preferred
- 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 in a manufacturing environment (Constant)
- Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Constant)
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away (Frequent)
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness (Constant)
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects (Frequent)
- Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects (Frequent)
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm (Frequent)
- Ability to lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs. of cases of varying size (Frequent)
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lb. cases of varying sizes & shapes for shipment to test sites and to customers (Occasional)
- Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Occasional)
- Talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
Special Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Occasionally may be required to travel Internationally and within the Continental U.S.
Clearance Level
No Clearance
The salary range for this role is:
$26 - $40
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.
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
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.
