Composite Fabricator II at AeroVironment in Petaluma, CA

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Composite Fabricator II works closely with engineering staff, technicians, and vendors/suppliers in the fabrication of tooling, structures, and components utilizing a variety of materials.

Position Responsibilities

• Follows design drawing instructions and written process instructions
• Works with Engineering in performing fabrication and assembly tasks as well as resolving tooling issues
• Works with and fabricates tooling, fixtures, jigs, etc. from one or more materials
• Operates hand/power tools (e.g., jitterbug, dotco) for cutting or trimming, as required
• Works with materials to perform bonding/curing (e.g., thermal plastic, rubber, resins, adhesives) in the experimental layup process, as required.
• Uses precision measuring tools (e.g., calipers, scales, micrometers) to check work performed
• Adheres to all safety requirements
• Works on assignments that are semi-routine in nature, following established procedures on routine work
• Applies acquired job skills and company policies & procedures to complete assigned tasks under minimal supervision
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required
• Minimum 1 – 2 years hands-on composite fabrication experience or equivalent combination of experience and education
• Demonstrated knowledge of layup processes
• Demonstrated knowledge in using precision measuring tools (i.e. micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, etc.)
• Experienced in reading and interpreting blueprints and drawings
• Demonstrated computer proficiency and ability to download work instructions, as applicable
• Experienced using hand/power tools (i.e. jitterbug, dotco)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills & Experience)

• Demonstrates competency in calculation of math dimensions working with sample parts, sketches and/or verbal instructions for fabricating details, as required
• 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

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in a R&D and Production environment (Constant)
• Must be able to lift and carry objects of varying sizes and shapes up to and between 10 lbs. (Frequently) and 20 lbs. (Occasional)
• Requires ability to perform the following: reaching, handling, turning/twisting, lifting/lowering, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, crawling, contact with metals and composites, exposure to moving parts and tools, pinch points, sharp cutters and slipping hazards, noise and atmospheric conditions, and the use of personal safety gear for face/eye, respiration, ears and feet. (Frequent)
• May require working from high/exposed places, tight spaces and work from ladders (Occasional)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $19 - $29

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.