Worker Type

Job Description

 

Summary
AV is seeking a hands-on Senior Engineering Test Technician to support the development, integration, testing, and maintenance of advanced electronic and RF systems. This position will work closely with electrical, RF, firmware, software, mechanical, systems, and test engineers in a fast-paced engineering laboratory environment.
 
The Senior Engineering Test Technician will support prototype assembly, system integration, test setup and execution, troubleshooting, laboratory equipment, and general lab operations. The ideal candidate is technically curious, detail-oriented, comfortable working with electronic hardware, and able to follow engineering drawings and test procedures while also helping engineers diagnose and resolve problems.

This role is well suited for an experienced electronics technician who enjoys working directly with engineers on complex systems and wants exposure to technologies such as RF communications, phased arrays, embedded electronics, digital systems, and advanced test equipment.
 
Position Responsibilities

• Support engineers with the assembly, integration, configuration, bring-up, troubleshooting, and testing of prototype and developmental electronic, RF, and electromechanical systems.
• Set up and operate laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, spectrum analyzer, signal generators, network analyzers, power supplies, electronic loads, and data acquisition equipment.
• Build and configure test setups, including RF cabling, Ethernet/network connections, power distribution, instrumentation, test fixtures, and laboratory test racks.
• Execute engineering test plans and procedures; collect and record test data, document observations and anomalies, and assist with preparation of test reports.
• Assemble, modify, troubleshoot, and repair cables, wiring harnesses, connectors, electronic assemblies, test fixtures, and prototype hardware, including soldering and rework as appropriate.
• Maintain engineering laboratory equipment, tools, cables, adapters, fixtures, and supplies, including proper organization, labeling, calibration status, ESD controls, and equipment accountability.
• Support engineering design reviews, demonstrations, environmental and qualification testing, and other development activities while coordinating with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and other functional teams.
• Follow applicable safety, ESD, configuration management, and equipment-handling procedures and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes, test setups, and documentation.

 
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Competencies)

• Associate degree, technical certificate, military technical training, or equivalent practical experience in electronics, electrical technology, RF technology, or a related field, with 2+ years of relevant hands-on experience.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable drawings, mechanical drawings, connector pinouts, and technical documentation.
• Hands-on experience assembling, modifying, testing, and troubleshooting electronic hardware using common laboratory equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and signal generators.
• Working knowledge of fundamental electrical concepts including voltage, current, resistance, power, grounding, signal integrity, and proper ESD handling practices.
• Ability to follow detailed test procedures, accurately collect and document results, recognize anomalous behavior, and communicate technical issues effectively.
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting, problem-solving, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with engineers and technicians across multiple disciplines.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Experience working with RF or microwave systems and components, including amplifiers, attenuators, filters, splitters/combiners, coaxial cables, and RF connectors.
• Experience using RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, network analyzers, and frequency counters.
• Experience with embedded electronics, FPGAs, microcontrollers, software-defined radios, firmware/software loading, Linux, and basic command-line operations.
• Familiarity with Ethernet networking, including configuring IP addresses, switches, and network-connected laboratory equipment.
• Experience building and maintaining laboratory test racks, fixtures, automated test equipment, or other engineering test infrastructure.
• Experience supporting environmental, EMI/EMC, vibration, thermal, or qualification testing of aerospace, defense, communications, radar, telemetry, or phased-array systems.
• IPC soldering certification or equivalent electronics assembly/rework experience, along with familiarity with configuration management, calibration, quality, and engineering change-control processes.

 
Physical Demands

• Ability to work primarily in an engineering laboratory environment.
• Ability to safely lift and move laboratory equipment and hardware weighing approximately 30-50 pounds with appropriate assistance when necessary.
• Ability to perform hands-on work involving electronic assemblies, cables, connectors, test racks, and laboratory equipment.
• Occasional travel or support for off-site testing may be required.
• Must follow applicable ESD, electrical, RF, and general laboratory safety requirements.

 
Special Requirements

• We can only accept applicants that are U.S. Citizens.
• Must be willing and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance if required.

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 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