Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

About the Company

AV is a global defense technology leader delivering battlefield proven systems and next-generation capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber.  From loitering munitions and autonomous robotic systems to counter-UAS, directed energy, cyber, and mission command systems, AV’s proven solutions are based on learnings from over 50,000 autonomous systems delivered to the battlefield to meet evolving threats head-on.

Position Summary

We are seeking an FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot who can build, program, test, and operate drones across a wide range of platforms. This role combines hands-on UAS assembly and troubleshooting with disciplined test flying, configuration management, and product validation. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable on the bench (soldering and integration) and in the field (flying, logging, and documenting results).

Key Responsibilities

Flight Operations (COTS + In-House Platforms)

• Operate drones safely and professionally under FAA Part 107 regulations and company SOPs.
• Demonstrate proficiency flying commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) drones on the current market (e.g., DJI, Autel, Skydio, etc.) and hand-built FPV type drones.
• Conduct pre-flight planning, risk assessments, checklists, and post-flight reporting.
• Capture flight logs/telemetry and support basic analysis to identify anomalies and root causes.

Test & Validation of Titan CUAV Products

• Participate in twice-weekly test flying sessions (2 days per week, 8 hours per session) to validate Titan products, firmware, and integrations.
• Execute structured test plans, document results, and communicate clear, actionable feedback to engineering and QA teams.
• Troubleshoot issues observed during testing and support corrective action verification and regression testing.

Build, Repair, and Integration

• Build drones from scratch: frame assembly, powertrain integration, wiring, and component mounting.
• Perform basic electronics and mechanical work: connector crimping, wire routing, fastener installation, vibration management, and component layout.
• Solder and rework wiring harnesses, power leads, and signal connections to high reliability standards.
• Diagnose and repair hardware issues using appropriate tools (e.g., multimeter, continuity checks, visual inspection).

Programming, Configuration, and Firmware

• Program/configure drones for test objectives (firmware setup, parameter configuration, and tuning).
• Manage firmware loading and version control across flight controllers, ESCs, GPS/compass modules, and companion systems where applicable.
• Maintain organized configuration files and documentation for repeatability and traceability.

Fleet & Database Management

• Maintain a database for every in-house drone to track hardware and firmware revisions.
• Record build history, repairs, component swaps, configuration profiles, and test outcomes to support debugging and audits.
• Ensure fleet records remain accurate, current, and accessible to cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Ability to build a drone from scratch, including basic electronics, mechanical assembly, and soldering.
• Ability to program/configure drones (firmware setup, parameter configuration, and tuning).
• Proficiency operating a broad range of COTS drones currently available on the market.
• Comfortable working outdoors and supporting 2x/week, 8-hour test-flight days in field conditions.
• Strong documentation skills and ability to maintain structured technical records.
• Drone/UAS-related degree OR 3–5 years of relevant UAS experience (professional, research, or product test).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience validating flight systems, writing test procedures, and reporting results.
• Familiarity with flight log/telemetry review and structured troubleshooting workflows.
• Experience maintaining asset database spreadsheets.
• Background in RC, robotics, avionics, embedded systems, or mechatronics.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Field work outdoors during test flights; exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform fine-motor tasks (soldering, assembly) for extended periods.

Compensation & Benefits

[Insert pay range, bonus eligibility, and benefits summary.]

How to Apply

Send a resume and a brief note describing your UAS build and flight experience to [email/contact]. Include links to a portfolio, build photos, flight logs, or certifications if available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$31 - $44

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

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