**Worker Type** Regular **Job Description** Summary The Flight Test Engineer III designs, develops, and implements cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting systems for small, unmanned air vehicles. Position Responsibilities + Develop System Test Plans, for small unmanned air vehicles and missiles, execute simulator and flight tests, and document test results + Assist the Flight Test Director during flight tests + Determine and communicate flight test objectives. Develop test cards that meet flight test objectives + Review System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testable + Participate in flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs + Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipment + Process and analyze test data to determine test results + Capture test activities, fill in test data sheets, and transfer telemetry files to the network + Details test activities in reports and enters test failures or anomalies in an issue tracking system database + Resolves a wide range of issues in creative and effective ways + Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors + Demonstrates good judgment in selectin methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, receiving little instruction on day-to-day work + Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) + Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Software, Systems or Aerospace Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience + Minimum of 5 - 8 years of experience in related industry, including conducting system or flight tests + Demonstrates strong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools + Understanding of the functionality of major aircraft sub-systems and avionics + Strong communication skills, including: documenting test plans, procedures, and reports; verbally directing UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests; capturing system test requirements; recording test failures; and reporting test results + Determine regression test requirements based on specific sub-system modifications + Ability to analyze large test data sets using software tools, like MATLAB or Excel + Can effectively develop ad-hoc tests to troubleshoot test failures + Position requires travel within and outside the Continental U.S. (About 10% - 30%) + Due to scheduling demands, must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies + Advance degree in Electrical, Software, Systems or Aerospace Engineering is preferred + Experience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficial + Preferred candidate will have the ability to work with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modifications + Has effective problem-solving and analytical skills as well as sound judgment + Has strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others across disciplines + Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests + 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 + Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Constant) + Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Constant) + Lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs of cases of varying size (Frequent) + Lift and/or move up to 50lb cases of varying sizes & shapes (Occasional) + Talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) The salary range for this role is: $89,630 - $127,050 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:** _T_ _his 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 required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance. **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.** **Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)**