Industrial Engineer I, Continuous Improvement The Industrial Engineer I, Continuous Improvement supports activities for operations in the manufacturing of AeroVironment Unmanned Air Vehicles. In this role, the Industrial Engineer I participates in establishing the most suitable technologies, processes, and practices for manufacturing. The Industrial Engineer I is data driven; utilizing statistical methods to analyze production data to optimize the full production process and drive continuous improvement.
Position Responsibilities:- Support the development, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing processes with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency
- Help implement Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methodology to promote continuous improvement strategies in productivity, quality, and lead time reduction
- Analyze production metrics, value stream data, and material flow to trigger and lead improvement projects
- Perform Gemba studies and data collection for the purposes of understanding improvement opportunities in a designated area
- Engage technicians on a regular basis for feedback and inputs. Evaluate work activities for waste observations
- Lead and facilitate implementation and maintenance activities related to the continuous improvement program and supports dedicated plant teams
- Participate in root cause analysis and problem solving to resolve issues related to materials, design, equipment, and people
- Participate in the design and development of manufacturing workflows and layout of equipment for maximum efficiency
- Lead collaborative engineering improvement activities alongside other engineering functions and suppliers to improve cost, cycle time, or to drive quality improvement activities
- Perform hands-on work to support production floor, AV integration, and assembly processes as required
- Implement best practices and develop standard work, act as a change agent promoting continuous improvement
- Complete ROI analysis for capital projects and process improvements
- Lead and/or support all phases of project management and monitor and ensure sustainment of implemented improvements at operational level
- Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications:- (Required Skills & Experience):Bachelor's degree in industrial Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Minimum 1-3 years experience in a manufacturing environment or similar experience required
- Familiar with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies and tools for process development and control
- Familiar with electro-mechanical manufacturing, drawings, procedures, and Bill of Materials
- Experience in root cause analysis and problem-solving principles
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate, interact and communicate with all levels of an organization
- Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:
- Ability to apply statistical and practical analysis to optimize production workflows and layouts
- 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
- Strong organization skills, able to work well under pressure and manage several tasks simultaneously
- Follow-through for assignments with a minimum direction and detail oriented
- Physical Demands
- Ability to work in an office and manufacturing 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.
- Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.Clearance LevelNo Clearance
- The salary range for this role is: $62,741 - $95,680 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 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. 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.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. ITARU.S. Citizenship required
