Production Engineer

About the role

Worker Type

Regular

About the role

AV is looking for a highly talented detail-driven Production Engineer to support the Missile Defense Agency Targets and Countermeasures team (MDA/DTTS). In this role, you will be directly responsible for verifying that critical missile flight hardware and propulsion systems are designed, fabricated, integrated, and tested strictly in accordance with baseline standards.

You will evaluate prime contractor design and manufacturing processes, conduct technical reviews, and enforce compliance with industry mission assurance frameworks --specifically AIAA S-113 (Criteria for Explosive Systems and Devices on Space and Launch Vehicles) and related aerospace standards (such as AIAA S-114, AIAA S-080/081, SMC-S-016, or AFSPCMAN 91-710).

• Design & Build Verification: Audit prime contractor engineering designs, drawing packages, manufacturing processes, and assembly records to ensure end items are built strictly to approved baseline specifications and flight-worthiness requirements.
• AIAA S-113 & Standards Compliance: Apply AIAA S-113 (and related space/launch vehicle standards) to assess ordnance, explosive devices, pyrotechnic separation mechanisms, pressure vessels, and mechanical/propulsion subsystems across all design and production phases.
• Peer Reviews & Milestone Gates: Participate in technical baseline reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, FRR), ensuring objective evidence supports mission assurance criteria before moving to integration and flight test.
• Nonconformance & Root Cause Analysis: Evaluate Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions, deviations, and waivers. Oversee Failure Review Boards (FRBs) to determine root cause and ensure proper corrective/preventative actions (CAPA) are implemented.
• Hardware Acceptance & Verification: Review and approve Qualification and Acceptance Test Procedures (QTPs/ATPs) and corresponding test results. Serve as the on-site engineering witness during critical testing events as required.
• Supplier Integration & Oversight: Lead Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings with supplier partners to maintain rigorous schedule alignment, track deliverables, and drive rapid technical problem resolution.

Required

• Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field.
• 7+ years supporting missile defense or large-scale, complex DoD programs. Strong preference for Aerospace, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering.
• Active DoD Secret clearance
• Standards Expertise: Demonstrated working knowledge and practical application of AIAA S-113 (or closely related launch/flight vehicle criteria such as AIAA S-114, SMC-S-016, TOR standards, or NASA-STD-8739/AFSPCMAN equivalents).
• Technical Review Skills: Proven ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, engineering change orders (ECOs/ECPs), and manufacturing work instructions to verify build integrity.
• Communication: Strong technical writing and presentation skills, capable of defending engineering assessments to government program leadership and contractor teams.

Desired

• Preferred BS degrees: Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineer
• Direct experience supporting MDA programs (e.g., Targets and Countermeasures, GMD, THAAD, Aegis BMD).
• Hands-on experience evaluating pyrotechnic devices, initiation systems, electro-explosive devices (EEDs), solid rocket motors, or high-reliability electro-mechanical assemblies.

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR.

• A "U.S. person" according to their 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.
• Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

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.

ITAR