Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Sr. Flight Test Operator is responsible for performing functional flight tests of AeroVironment's 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)
The salary range for this role is:$28 - $44AeroVironment 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 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 AreBased 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 DoBuilding 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.AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.ITARU.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.ABOUT USAt AeroVironment, our purpose is to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. Our solutions give our customers a fresh vantage point, positioning them to see the world with new eyes and extending their reach beyond the line of sight. That is the power of our breakthrough unmanned aircraft systems, perfected and refined over a half century.Whether they are warfighters searching for an enemy, border patrol agents searching for people in need of assistance, or telecom providers linking millions to the digital economy, our customers choose AeroVironment because our systems generate actionable intelligence reliably, creating a path to goals that would otherwise be unattainable.