We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Hardware Repair Technician to join our team at AV in San Diego. The primary responsibility of this role is to be the lead for all repairs, warranty, service, and upgrade hardware activities. More specifically it is to handle returned hardware (e.g. under RMA, warranty, or defect management processes), diagnose, troubleshoot, repair and test units to ensure they meet quality and performance standards. In addition to repair work, this role may include upgrading hardware, refurbishing units, procuring parts and performing detailed root‐cause failure analysis under direction of engineering staff.  

This role supports the engineering organization and helps maintain throughput in our repair pipeline. The technician will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers, and must have strong capabilities in debugging and working with advanced electronics and hardened computing systems. You will need to be comfortable working through ambiguity and change and also be intellectually curious regarding hardware and electronics assembly and manufacturing. 

Key Responsibilities & Requirements: 

Receive, log, and triage incoming hardware returns, defective units, and upgrade requests. 

Perform detailed diagnostics and troubleshooting to isolate faulty subsystems or components (mechanical, electrical, firmware, connectivity, etc.). 

Repair RF assemblies including connectors, cables, wire harnesses, sensors, mechanical subassemblies, etc. 

Support production team by performing firmware updates, calibration, alignment, burn-in, and validation testing after repair. 

Collaborate with engineering (mechanical, electrical, systems) to obtain schematics, test procedures, engineering change notices (ECNs), and tolerances. 

Implement corrective modifications or retrofits as directed (e.g. engineering change orders). 

Refurbish, rework, or upgrade units per specification or customer request. 

Document repair steps, root causes, and lessons learned; maintain repair logs and databases. 

Provide input to failure analysis and continuous improvement programs. 

Ensure all repairs adhere to quality, safety, and regulatory requirements (e.g. ESD control, cleanroom, certification, internal standards). 

Maintain spare parts, consumables, and tooling inventory relevant to repair operations. 

Suggest process optimizations, tooling improvements, and test fixture enhancements.  

Occasionally assist engineering with prototype debug, mechanical modifications, or system-level integration tasks as needed. 

Requirements & Qualifications: 

Associate’s degree (or equivalent trade school training) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent technical discipline (or strong equivalent hands-on experience).  

At least 5–7 years of experience in hardware repair, technical debugging, or defect analysis in an electronics / systems environment. 

Strong mechanical aptitude; proficient with hand tools associated with electronics unit assembly and repair. 

Strong electronics troubleshooting skills.  (Proficient with the use of multimeters.) 

Experience with soldering and connector rework. 

Familiarity with system-level and functional testing. 

Experience reading schematics, block diagrams, mechanical drawings, and understanding system integration. 

Strong understanding of RF principles (frequency, impedance, gain, noise, modulation).

Ability to isolate mechanical, electrical, and firmware faults, and correlate symptoms to root cause. 

Excellent with hands on skills, attention to detail, and methodical approach to debugging. 

Strong documentation, communication, and general computer skills. 

Ability to work closely with engineering staff, accept direction, and follow test procedures and change control. 

Ability to manage multiple repair tasks concurrently and meet throughput goals. 

Commitment to quality, safety, and process discipline (e.g. ESD protocols, clean environment). 

Desired Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent technical discipline (or strong equivalent hands-on experience).  

Experience with the assembly and repair of ruggedized / hardened computer systems (e.g., MILSTD, vibration, EMC, harsh environment electronics). 

Experience with failure analysis tools (microscope, thermal imaging). 

Experience with mechanical repair or alignment (e.g. micromechanics, precision assemblies). 

Experience debugging RF electronics systems. 

Familiarity with version control, defect tracking systems, and repair databases. 

Prior exposure to manufacturing test, acceptance test, or field-return programs. 

Certification(s) such as IPC soldering, IPC rework, or other electronics repair credentials. 

Prior work in aerospace, medical, defense, or rugged electronics industries. Troubleshoot transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, and RF modules.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands 

Work is primarily in a lab, workshop, or repair bay environment; may include cleanroom or controlled environment conditions. 

Frequent use of test equipment, microscopes, handheld tools, and small part handling. 

Occasional lifting of chassis or assemblies (within safe lift limits). 

May require overtime or flexibility to meet repair deadlines. 

Strict adherence to ESD/control protocols, safety, and quality standards. 

Must be able to lift and maneuver unit assemblies up to 40lbs and wheeled cases up to 75lbs. 

Clearance Level

 

The salary range for this role is:

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 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