About AV
Who We Are
Born in California in 1971, AV (AeroVironment, Inc.) invents, builds and supports intelligent unmanned aircraft, ground vehicles and loitering-munition systems that give war-fighters and allied forces an edge across air, land, sea, space and cyber. Publicly traded on NASDAQ (AVAV) and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, our 1,700-strong team combines aerospace heritage with modern robotics, AI and software expertise to deliver mission-critical capabilities such as Switchblade®, Puma™ and telemax™ EVO.
With over five decades of innovation in unmanned systems, we've established ourselves as a trusted partner in defense technology. Our solutions are deployed globally, providing real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and tactical strike capabilities that protect service members and enhance mission success.
Our Team
Engineers, technologists, veterans and domain experts collaborate from labs, production floors and remote offices across the USA and Europe. We work in "9/80" sprints—80 hours over nine days—so every other Friday is a company-wide break, giving you 26 extra days off each year to recharge and maintain work-life balance.
Close integration with end-users means rapid learning cycles and the satisfaction of seeing your work make a real difference in the field. The size of the business (≈1,700 people) strikes an ideal balance: large enough to tackle complex, high-impact projects, yet nimble enough that individuals can see their contributions from initial concept through to fielding and deployment. Cross-functional teams foster innovation, and direct feedback from operators ensures our solutions meet genuine tactical needs.
Our Values and Mission
- People First – Act with integrity, safety and respect in everything we do
- Results & Ownership – Deliver excellence and be accountable for outcomes
- Innovate & Simplify – Solve hard problems, move fast and eliminate complexity
- Customer Dedication – Earn and keep war-fighter trust through reliable performance
- Evolve to Dominate – Anticipate emerging threats and stay ahead of the curve
Our mission is clear: invent advantage so our customers win decisive, life-saving outcomes. Every system we build is designed with the war-fighter in mind, ensuring that our technology provides the edge needed in critical situations.
Employee Benefits
- 9-day fortnight (9/80 schedule) with every other Friday off—enjoy a three-day weekend twice a month while working a standard 40-hour week
- Flexible hybrid/remote roles depending on team and project requirements
- Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental and vision insurance from day one
- Retirement planning: 401(k) with company match plus Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) to build your financial future
- Generous time off: Paid holiday shutdown periods, ample PTO and parental leave
- Career development: Access to MacCready Works innovation labs, tuition reimbursement and internal mobility programs to advance your skills
- Modern work environment: Equipment budgets, wellness resources and specialized veteran support programs
- Competitive compensation: Market-aligned salaries with performance bonuses and equity opportunities
At AV, we understand that doing meaningful work for national security doesn't mean sacrificing personal time. Our 9/80 schedule and flexible arrangements help you maintain the balance you need while contributing to technology that saves lives.
