Flight Test Operator II

Worker Type:
Regular

The Flight Test Operator II is responsible for performing functional flight tests of Aero Vironment'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.

• 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
• Supports 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
• Ensures all safety protocols are adhered to, reports safety issues, and may write new safety procedures as needed (EH&S)
• Provides support to Flight Team members and may give feedback on peer performance
• Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance and offers insight on possible causes and effects
• May perform Site Lead responsibilities, including pre‑ and post‑flight equipment checklists, managing flight test operations and personnel in the field, and reporting on activities
• Works on semi‑routine assignments within well‑defined requirements with some supervision
• Other duties as assigned

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum of 1–2 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Experience working at an aircraft manufacturing company
• Ability to articulate and document product issues and offer solutions
• May be required to rewrite test procedures in the field
• Ability to operate a minimum of two UAV systems
• Must pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate examination and follow‑on examinations as required
• Must maintain visual line of sight of UAV up to 1 kilometer away
• Must pass a semi‑annual proficiency examination and semi‑annual 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 to drive company vehicles
• Travel to various testing sites as required
• Must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed

• AA/AS degree or certificate from a technical trade school in electronics or a related field (preferred)
• Prior military experience desired
• Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment with small teams sharing diverse duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Commitment to learning from mistakes and continuous improvement of self, others, and the company
• Good written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate clearly with a diversified audience, including internal and external customers
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and lead teams

• Work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse 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)
• Repetitively throw objects up to 16 lbs 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)

Salary Range: $23 – $35

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). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or be approved for an export license by the governing agency. A U.S. person includes a U.S.…