Manufacturing Engineer - Space Systems

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

Summary
AV seeks a motivated Manufacturing Engineer II to support the manufacturing of advanced RF systems and components within the Hyper-RF Division. At AV, we design, integrate, test, and deploy state-of-the-art systems for a range of applications, including wireless communications, perimeter intrusion detection sensors, radar systems, phased array antennas, 5G/LTE, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT).

This role is well-suited for an early-career manufacturing engineer who is eager to grow technical depth in RF and electromechanical system manufacturing while working closely with senior manufacturing engineers, design engineers, production, and quality teams. The Manufacturing Engineer II will contribute to process development, production support, and continuous improvement initiatives under guidance and mentorship from senior engineers.

On any given day, the selected candidate may be asked to perform the following:

• Manufacturing Process Support: Assist in the development, documentation, and refinement of manufacturing processes for electromechanical/RF systems and related components.

• Production Support: Support day-to-day manufacturing operations by troubleshooting process issues, resolving build problems, and working with production personnel to improve yield and consistency.

• Continuous Improvement: Participate in process improvement initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, quality, and cost. Apply lean manufacturing concepts and basic root cause analysis techniques under guidance.

• Equipment and Tooling Support: Assist with the selection, setup, qualification, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment and tooling. Help ensure equipment is properly calibrated and maintained.

• Quality Collaboration: Work with Quality Assurance to support inspections, non-conformance investigations, and corrective actions. Assist with root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

• Documentation: Create and maintain manufacturing documentation such as work instructions, process travelers, assembly procedures, and basic SOPs.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with design engineering, supply chain, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure manufacturability and smooth transition from design to production.

• Learning & Development: Actively develop technical skills in RF system manufacturing, electromechanical assembly, and production processes through on-the-job experience and mentorship.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

• 2 - 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production engineering, or a related role.

• Experience supporting manufacturing of electronic, RF, or electromechanical assemblies is preferred.

• Fundamental understanding of manufacturing processes and production environments.

• Proficiency with CAD tools and standard engineering documentation practices.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

• Ability to follow established processes while identifying opportunities for improvement.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work well in a collaborative, team-based environment.

• Experience in a regulated, aerospace, or defense manufacturing environment is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)

• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$85,500 - $121,275

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