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Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer I supports the design and operation of the manufacturing systems for AeroVironment Unmanned Air Vehicles. In this role, the Manufacturing Engineer participates in establishing the best technologies and processes for manufacturing, planning, and designing the factory. The Manufacturing Engineer is data driven; utilizing statistical methods to analyze production data to optimize the full production process and drive continuous improvements.

Position Responsibilities:

• Supports the development, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing processes with a focus on efficiency and quality
• Helps implement Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methodology to achieve continuous improvement in productivity, quality, and lead time reduction
• Analyzes production metrics (yields, capacity, cost, and process capability) to trigger and lead improvement projects
• Establishes and maintains standard hours and sequence of operations for current and future production processes
• Generates and updates work instructions, assembly procedures, and supporting documentation controlling the manufacturing process
• Participates in root cause analysis and problem solving to resolve issues related to materials, design, equipment, and people
• Works on Manufacturing Strategies and capacity models for new and current products, including estimation and maintenance of capital requisitions
• Participates in the design and development of manufacturing workflows and layout of equipment for maximum efficiency
• Performs cost estimating of new tooling and fixtures required to support production floor; leads Make/Buy analysis and trade studies on assemblies with cross-functional team
• Performs Design for Manufacturing, cost, and reliability analysis on new products with the design engineering team
• Leads collaborative engineering improvement activities alongside engineering and suppliers to improve cost, cycle time, or to drive quality improvement activities
• Participates in Design Failures Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) activities as a key contributor in the process.
• Provides guidance to engineering regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques
• Performs hands-on work to support production floor and aircraft integration and assembly processes as required
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or similar field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum 0 - 2 years’ experience in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Test Engineering or similar field in Aerospace, Automotive, or Commercial industries
• Familiar with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies and tools for process development and control
• Familiar with electro-mechanical manufacturing, drawings, procedures, and Bill of Materials
• Experienced user in Microsoft Office (Word, Visio, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Access, Project)
• Familiar with MiniTab, MRP/ERP (Oracle is preferred), Agile, and CAD programs (SolidWorks is preferred)
• Occasional travel to supplier sites (up to 10%)
• Other duties as assigned

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:

• Demonstrated effective problem-solving and analytical skills; familiarity with root cause analysis techniques
• Certification in Lean / Sigma Black Belt through an accredited certification body, preferred
• Consistently demonstrates teamwork and collaboration; puts the success of the team above one's own interests
• Strong organization/planning, time management, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; ability to manage conflict
• Ability to work within defined requirements and deadlines to complete tasks independently; ability to manage stress
• Effectively communicates with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities and other considerations to facilitate and improve production processes
• Ability to apply statistical analysis to optimize production workflows and production layouts
• 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

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)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Occasionally may be required to travel Internationally and within the Continental U.S.

The salary range for this role is:

$61,111 - $86,625

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.

Who We Are

Based 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 Do

Building 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.

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 is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.