Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
AV is looking for a highly talented detail-driven Production Engineer to support the Missile Defense Agency Targets and Countermeasures team (MDA/DTTS). In this role, you will be directly responsible for verifying that critical missile flight hardware and propulsion systems are designed, fabricated, integrated, and tested strictly in accordance with baseline standards. You will evaluate prime contractor design and manufacturing processes, conduct technical reviews, and enforce compliance with industry mission assurance frameworks --specifically AIAA S-113 (Criteria for Explosive Systems and Devices on Space and Launch Vehicles) and related aerospace standards (such as AIAA S-114, AIAA S-080/081, SMC-S-016, or AFSPCMAN 91-710).
Design & Build Verification: Audit prime contractor engineering designs, drawing packages, manufacturing processes, and assembly records to ensure end items are built strictly to approved baseline specifications and flight-worthiness requirements.
AIAA S-113 & Standards Compliance: Apply AIAA S-113 (and related space/launch vehicle standards) to assess ordnance, explosive devices, pyrotechnic separation mechanisms, pressure vessels, and mechanical/propulsion subsystems across all design and production phases.
Peer Reviews & Milestone Gates: Participate in technical baseline reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, FRR), ensuring objective evidence supports mission assurance criteria before moving to integration and flight test.
Nonconformance & Root Cause Analysis: Evaluate Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions, deviations, and waivers. Oversee Failure Review Boards (FRBs) to determine root cause and ensure proper corrective/preventative actions (CAPA) are implemented.
Hardware Acceptance & Verification: Review and approve Qualification and Acceptance Test Procedures (QTPs/ATPs) and corresponding test results. Serve as the on-site engineering witness during critical testing events as required.
Supplier Integration & Oversight: Lead Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings with supplier partners to maintain rigorous schedule alignment, track deliverables, and drive rapid technical problem resolution.
Required:
Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field.
7+ years supporting missile defense or large-scale, complex DoD programs. Strong preference for Aerospace, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering.
Active DoD Secret clearance
Standards Expertise: Demonstrated working knowledge and practical application of AIAA S-113 (or closely related launch/flight vehicle criteria such as AIAA S-114, SMC-S-016, TOR standards, or NASA-STD-8739/AFSPCMAN equivalents).
Technical Review Skills: Proven ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, engineering change orders (ECOs/ECPs), and manufacturing work instructions to verify build integrity.
Communication: Strong technical writing and presentation skills, capable of defending engineering assessments to government program leadership and contractor teams.
Desired:
Preferred BS degrees: Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineer
Direct experience supporting MDA programs (e.g., Targets and Countermeasures, GMD, THAAD, Aegis BMD).
Hands-on experience evaluating pyrotechnic devices, initiation systems, electro-explosive devices (EEDs), solid rocket motors, or high-reliability electro-mechanical assemblies.
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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics field
- 7 or more years supporting missile defense or large-scale, complex Department of Defense programs
- Active DoD Secret clearance
- Working knowledge and practical application of AIAA S-113 or closely related launch and flight vehicle standards
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, engineering change orders, engineering change proposals, and manufacturing work instructions
- Strong technical writing and presentation skills
- Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering background
- Direct experience supporting Missile Defense Agency programs such as Targets and Countermeasures, GMD, THAAD, or Aegis BMD
- Hands-on experience evaluating pyrotechnic devices, initiation systems, electro-explosive devices, solid rocket motors, or high-reliability electromechanical assemblies
- U.S. person status under ITAR/EAR requirements
AeroVironment Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about AeroVironment and has not been reviewed or approved by AeroVironment.
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits include multiple medical plan options with HSA pairing and employer contributions, plus company-paid life and disability coverage. Feedback suggests health coverage quality and breadth are consistently seen as strong.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with generous matching and immediate vesting, alongside programs like an ESPP and deferred compensation for eligible employees, signals robust retirement support. Feedback suggests the retirement offering stands out within the total rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Discretionary Time Off for eligible salaried employees, paid sick leave, parental leave supplements, holidays, and a 9/80 schedule provide broad time-off flexibility. Feedback suggests these options enhance work-life balance when team norms support their use.
AeroVironment Insights
What We Do
At AV, we build shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers, delivering systems shaped by real-world missions, not theoretical requirements. Now stronger than ever, we deliver integrated capabilities across every domain of modern warfare—from autonomous systems and loitering munitions to space-based platforms, directed energy, cyber and electronic warfare. We build to win today’s battles and shape tomorrow’s conflicts.
