Manufacturing Engineer III

Manufacturing Engineer III – Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing

Company: AV (Aero Vironment)

Location: Petaluma, CA

Salary Range: $89,630 - $127,050

Job Type: Regular | Full‑time

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior

One of the most innovative teams in unmanned aircraft systems, the Manufacturing Engineer III designs, operates, and continuously improves manufacturing systems for Aero Vironment’s small unmanned air vehicles. The role involves selecting new manufacturing technologies, planning factory layouts, maintaining equipment, and leading process improvements.

• Create and manage equipment specifications and documentation for development, qualification, and support of assembly and test equipment.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodology to improve productivity, quality, and lead time.
• Generate Value Stream Maps to reduce cycle time, waste, variation, and low production yields.
• Develop manufacturing strategies and capacity models for new and current products, including capital requisition estimation.
• Write and review work instructions, assembly procedures, and supporting documentation to control the manufacturing process.
• Estimate cost of tooling and fixtures, and lead Make/Buy analyses on assemblies with cross‑functional teams.
• Perform Design for Manufacturing, cost, and reliability analysis on new products with design engineering.
• Coordinate with suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure receipt of conforming parts and assemblies.
• Analyze data to identify root causes and resolve problems of diverse scope.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5–8 years of experience in manufacturing, mechanical or electrical engineering, test engineering, or related aerospace/automotive/commercial sector roles.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodology.
• Experience with electro‑mechanical manufacturing, drawings, procedures, and Bill of Materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Minitab, Oracle, Agile, and CAD programs (Solid Works preferred).
• Occasional travel to supplier sites (up to 30%).

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication, composites, PCB assembly, mechanical assembly, calibration and testing.
• Strong organization, communication, time management, conflict resolution, and stress management skills.
• Problem‑solving with root‑cause analysis techniques.
• Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments.
• Proactive initiative, strong teamwork, and ownership of work.

• Work in office and manufacturing environments, sit and stand for prolonged periods, use hands and fingers to operate computer and telephone.

Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, 9/80 work schedule and paid holiday shutdown. For detailed benefit information visit

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. Aero Vironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity 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:
This position requires access to information subject to ITAR/EAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person or be eligible for export license approval. U.S. citizenship is required.