Summary
The Sr. Flight Test Operator is responsible for performing functional flight tests of AeroVironments Unmanned Air Vehicles and equipment for quality assurance purposes. Flight tests are performed in the field utilizing various computerized test equipment. Conditions and testing locations may vary and require frequent local travel with some longer distance interstate travel.
Position Responsibilities
- Primary point of contact between the internal customer and the company during acceptance testing
- Performs tests on AV Products including quality testing and customer acceptance tests.
- Support other department product testing as needed.
- Prepares test plans and detailed post flight test reports and provides pertinent feedback on observed aircraft performance for internal and external customers.
- Required to follow and ensure all safety protocol is adhered to. Must report all safety issues.
- May be required to write new safety procedures as needed with EH&S
- Conducts continuous training for other Flight Team members to ensure professional development and technical growth. Able to critically evaluate peer work and provide feedback and guidance.
- Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance. Able to provide insight on possible cause and effect.
- Performs responsibilities including responsibility for pre and post flight equipment checklists, managing flight test operations and personnel in the field, and reporting on activities.
- Works on assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues; Manages self and others in the field with limited Supervision.
- Focus on Puma 550 Platform with Quattro Autopilot
- Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
- High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
- Minimum of 4 - 6 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Experienced working at an Aircraft Manufacturing company
- Articulates and documents product issues and offer insight to solutions. May be required to rewrite test procedures in the field.
- Demonstrated experience and competency in operating and training for multiple UAV systems.
- Must be able to pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate examination and follow on examinations as required.
- Must be able to maintain visual line of sight of UAV up to 1 kilometer away.
- Will be required to pass a semiannual proficiency examination and pass the semiannual unannounced written and field test examinations.
- Proficient with computerized work applications (including MS Word and automated time keeping)
- Must have and maintain a clean DMV record in order to drive company vehicles.
- Travel to various testing sights as required.
- Due to scheduling demands, must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed.
Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills & Experience)
- AA/AS Degree or Certificate from a technical trade school in Electronics or related is preferred.
- Prior Military experience desired
- Demonstrates skill at communicating critical observations of issues to management in writing and verbally.
- Demonstrates competency in making situational judgment calls to ensure the safety of the product, the customer, and staff.
- 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.
- Good written and verbal communication skills and able to clearly communicate with a diversified audience to include internal and external customers.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and lead teams.
- Quattro / Vigilant Experience Preferred
Physical Demands
- Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Constant)
- Lift and/or move up to 75 lb. cases of varying sizes & shapes (Occasional)
- Lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs. of cases of varying sizes & shapes (Frequent)
- repeatedly throw objects up to 16lbs over the shoulder
- Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Constant)
- Balancing, handling, fine manipulation and grasping (Constant)
- Good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble product (Frequent)
- Crouching, reaching, and keying (Frequent)
- Climbing, stooping, kneeling, feeling, overhead lifting (Occasional)
Clearance Level
No ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:
$30 - $43AeroVironment 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 youre 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