About AV
What is AV?
AV (avinc.com) — legally AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) — is, in its own words, "the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S." Founded by visionary innovator Dr. Paul B. MacCready, Jr. in 1971, AV has spent more than 50 years advancing autonomous systems; seven AV platforms are displayed in the Smithsonian. The careers page hero is direct: "We hire the curious. The driven. The mission-obsessed. People who need their work to matter."
AV delivers capabilities across five domains — Air, Land, Sea, Space and Cyber — with platforms ranging from AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and resilient space systems. The company is publicly described on its careers page as a "battlefield-proven systems and next-generation capabilities" provider serving the U.S. and allied defense missions.
Where will I work?
AV's corporate HQ is at 241 18th Street South, #650, Arlington, VA 22202. The company also operates a UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) HQ in Germany at Vogelsangstrasse 8, 73760 Ostfildern. AV maintains a multi-site U.S. footprint with manufacturing and engineering across several states. Many corporate and engineering roles offer hybrid or fully-remote options inside the U.S., while classified programs remain onsite.
What is the AV team like?
AV is Great Place to Work® certified — "84% of our employees say AV is a great place to work, compared to 57% at a typical U.S.-based company." The technical disciplines on offer span "aerospace, robotics, AI, directed energy, engineering, electronic warfare, and autonomy." AV explicitly values veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses, who "bring leadership, discipline, and mission focus to our team."
Work-Life Balance
AV's flagship work-life policy is the 9/80 schedule: "At many AV locations, employees benefit from an alternative 9/80 schedule that includes every other Friday off. Combined with AV's holiday calendar and year-end shutdown, employees enjoy more flexibility and time to recharge." Paid Parental Leave covers birth, adoption, and foster placement.
Perks and Benefits
- Alternative 9/80 work schedule at many locations — every other Friday off
- Holiday calendar + year-end company shutdown
- Paid Parental Leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement
- 401(k): 100% match on first 4% contributed + 2% employer non-elective each pay period
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) — purchase AV stock at a 15% discount
- Comprehensive medical plan options + dental + vision + virtual care + wellness resources + health advocacy support
- Tuition Assistance Program: undergraduate courses, certificate programs and approved graduate studies
- Great Place to Work® certified culture (84% positive vs 57% benchmark)
- Veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses welcome
- Internship program for the next generation of defense technology talent