Engineering Flight Test Specialist III

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Engineering Flight Test Specialist III acts as remote pilot in command of unmanned aircraft systems or vehicles for flight testing, acceptance test protocol (ATP), Flight Acceptance Testing, Training, and various internal and external demonstrations.

Position Responsibilities

• Prepares detailed post-flight test reporting and is required to report, follow and ensure adherence to all safety protocols
• Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance
• Performs flight demonstrations (also in charge of equipment, planning, travel, etc.)
• Leads Flight Factory Acceptance and Site Acceptance Testing events
• Manages flight teams inventory and ensures all equipment is in good working order
• Responsible for checking in and out flight test-owned equipment
• Analyzes and solves problems that develop during flight testing
• Consistently exhibits substantial understanding of job and applies knowledge/skills to complete a wide range of tasks
• Works on moderately difficult assignments, requiring sound judgment in resolving issues and making recommendations
• Performs troubleshooting tasks for off the shelf vendor payload integrations and writes post-test procedure
• Normally receives little instruction on daily work and general instructions on newly introduced assignments
• Completes Jira tasks within the timeline assigned
• Works on problems of diverse scope, where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors

• Captures critical information for input into after-action reports and lessons learned databases

• Complete all documentation required for field operations, equipment operational status, data collection, and post-flight procedures

• Continually re-evaluates risk assessments & takes appropriate actions to mitigate any elevated risk levels

• Maintains situational awareness of the air vehicle's location, in-flight status, and threats to the aircraft or vehicle from the air and ground

• Maintains proper operational status of UAS and supporting operational systems

• Occasionally instructs use of Unmanned Air Systems (UAS)

• Participates in the AeroVironment Master Trainer Training Program (MTTP) in accordance with the Master Trainer Training Manual (MTTM
• Travel (International & Domestic) up to 50%
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High School diploma or GED equivalent; Bachelor’s degree is preferred or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 2-4 years of relevant experience
• Experience working with manufacturing systems, processes and procedures
• Requires advanced computer operation skills, including IP protocol
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Experienced in controlling systems (i.e. RC Aircraft) requiring quick thinking, quick reactions, awareness of subsystem failure symptoms and quickly adapting/responding with appropriate emergency procedures
• Understanding of basic flight planning within FAA/ICAO regulations
• Must have and maintain a clean DMV record, in order to drive company and rental vehicles
• Must have the ability to work with little or no supervision and exercise independent judgment on a regular basis
• Ability to travel within the Continental U.S. and overseas in support of flight testing
• Has strong communication skills as well as interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others across disciplines
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Required to pass FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft exam
• Will be required to pass an Annual Proficiency And Readiness Test (APART)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Prior hobby experience with Remote Controlled (RC) aircraft helpful but not required
• Prior Military and/or Aviation experience is preferred
• Solid understanding of military tactics, operations, GPS and Navigation utilizing maps and compass

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or sketches
• 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

Physical Demands

• Lift and/or move between 11-100 lbs. of cases of varying size (Frequent)

• Lift up to 55 pounds as well as objects of varying sizes for shipment to & set up at various customer training sites (Occasional)

• 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 (Frequent)

• Balancing, handling, fine manipulation and grasping (Frequent)

• Repeatedly throw objects up to 25 lbs. over shoulder (Frequent)

• Good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble product (Frequent)

• Climbing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, sense of touch, overhead lifting (Frequent)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required

• Must have the capability to obtain a U.S. passport

• Must have a clean driving record to drive company owned and rented vehicles

• Required to pass and maintain FAA Part 107 certificate

• Must pass and maintain a medical and dental exam for deployment(s)

• Expect to work alone for long irregular hours, weekends and holidays and in difficult situations, and environments

• Because of various out-of-area training/maintenance requirements, must be available on both short (14-60 days) and long-term (90+ days) deployments away from home, both CONUS and OCONUS consisting of up to 50% travel

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$25 - $38

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. Citizenship required