Flight Test Operator II

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Flight Test Operator II 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 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

• Provides support to Flight Team members. May be asked to provide feedback on performance of peers

• Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance. Able to provide insight on possible cause and affect

• May perform Site Lead 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 semi-routine in nature; Capable or working within well-defined requirements with some supervision

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required

• Minimum of 1 - 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Experience working at an Aircraft Manufacturing company

• Able to articulate and document product issues and offer insight to solutions. May be required to rewrite test procedures in the field

• Ability to articulate and document product issues

• Ability to operate a minimum of two 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)

• Minimum of 1,000 UAV flight hours

• 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

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• AA/AS Degree or Certificate from a technical trade school in Electronics or related is preferred

• Prior Military experience desired

• 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

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and lead teams

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 50 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 16 lbs over the shoulder, stand and/or sit for long periods of time

• 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)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$23 - $35

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:

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.

ITAR

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