Test Technician Sr. Lead

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary Aerovironment, Inc. is seeking a skilled and motivated Test Technician Team Lead Sr. to join our (Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) (Loitering Munition Systems (LMS)) manufacturing product lines. As a Test Technician, Sr. Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing the efficient operation of the manufacturing work cell, ensuring the production targets are met, and maintaining the highest level of quality standards. Your leadership skills, technical expertise, and ability to drive continuous improvement will play a crucial role in the success of our manufacturing operations. Position Responsibilities: Lead a team of manufacturing technicians and operators within the assigned work cell, providing guidance, training, and supervision to ensure the achievement of production goals and quality targets Plan, organize, and prioritize daily work schedules to optimize productivity and meet customer demand  Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, supply chain, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless coordination and efficient manufacturing processes  Monitor and analyze production metrics, identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs Ensure compliance with safety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe and compliant work environment Perform regular inspections and audits to identify equipment issues or maintenance needs and coordinate with maintenance personnel to address them promptly Act as a subject matter expert in the manufacturing processes, equipment, and product specifications, providing technical support and troubleshooting assistance when required Maintain accurate documentation of production activities, including production reports, work instructions, and quality records Support the implementation of lean manufacturing principles and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize workflow and eliminate waste Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and employee engagement, promoting a positive work environment and motivating the team to achieve operational excellence Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience): High School diploma or GED equivalent Minimum of  6+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment in either electronics or electro-mechanical assembly and test or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Lead a team of manufacturing technicians and operators within the assigned work cell, providing guidance, training, and supervision to ensure the achievement of production goals and quality targets Plan, organize, and prioritize daily work schedules to optimize productivity and meet customer demand. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, supply chain, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless coordination and efficient manufacturing processes Monitor and analyze production metrics, identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs Ensure compliance with safety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe and compliant work environment. Perform regular inspections and audits to identify equipment issues or maintenance needs and coordinate with maintenance personnel to address them promptly. Act as a subject matter expert in the manufacturing processes, equipment, and product specifications, providing technical support and troubleshooting assistance when required. Maintain accurate documentation of production activities, including production reports, work instructions, and quality records. Support the implementation of lean manufacturing principles and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize workflow and eliminate waste. Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and employee engagement, promoting a positive work environment and motivating the team to achieve operational excellence. Able to perform problem solving analysis 5 whys Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies: Able to perform problem solving analysis 5 whys 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 Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests Physical Demands: Ability to work in a factory or office environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Special Requirements: U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or  asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required. O ccasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $62,000 - $94,750 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