Lead Program Manager

AV; Virginia; On-site; USD 117,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment’s MacCready Works division seeks a Lead Program Manager for the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group. The role combines individual contribution with team leadership to oversee defense and commercial computer vision and analytics projects from proposal through close-out.

You will manage budgets, schedules, risk, and customer communications, coordinate cross-functional teams, pursue new opportunities, and ensure adherence to policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience in engineering, science, business, or related field.
• 8–10 years of relevant program management experience; DoD/DoW experience a plus.
• Experience managing CPFF, T&M, and FFP programs; risk management experience.

Responsibilities

• Manages multiple projects/programs through complete lifecycle.
• Works with customers to gather requirements and define success criteria; ensures customer alignment.
• Establishes and manages program priorities; develops budgets and EAC, spend plans, and resource allocations.
• Defines and manages program controls; identifies and mitigates risk.
• Coordinates with other PMs to align teams and inter-dependencies.
• Leads program reviews with customers and technical teams; informs stakeholders of status.

Skills

Program management

DoD/DoW contracts

Risk management

Cross-functional leadership

Budget & cost management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science/business or related field

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Summary

The Lead Program Manager will be both a strong individual contributor and project team lead for the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group in AV’s MacCready Works division, overseeing the development of a variety of innovative computer vision / perception and related analytics for defense and commercial applications.The PM is responsible for the complete program lifecycle from proposal preparation through contract negotiations, execution, and close‑out, and manages all activities necessary to meet requirements, goals, and objectives. PMs work with cross‑functional teams to manage the execution of projects including staffing, budget/cost, schedule, technical progress, and risks, while serving as primary point of contact for program activities and status to both internal and external customers.

Position Responsibilities

• Manages multiple projects / programs throughout their complete lifecycle
• Works with customers to gather requirements and define success criteria; ensures customer alignment and manages overall customer satisfaction
• Establishes, communicates, and manages program priorities
• Develops and maintains program plans including budget / estimate at completion (EAC), spend plans, resource allocation, and communications
• Defines, implements, and manages program controls; identifies and manages risk
• Coordinates with other PMs to align project teams and their inter‑dependencies
• Aligns and informs stakeholders of program status and health
• Leads project meetings and program reviews with customers and technical teams
• Manages potential changes in program scope and advises leadership and customer of potential impacts
• Actively supports growth of the program, including bidding and capturing new opportunities
• Assists and/or coordinates the preparation of cost and technical proposals
• Ensures adherence to company policies and processes
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business, or related field required; equivalent of education, training, and/or experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience in program management; experience with government contracts (specifically DoD/DoW programs) and/or software projects is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex systems
• Proven track record of running multiple, successful projects
• Experience managing CPFF, T&M, and FFP technical development programs
• Experience developing risk management & mitigation plans
• Experience in a highly technical and dynamic environment
• Knowledge of project management methods, tools, and processes
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), experience with MS Project is a plus

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Basic familiarity with contracts, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and other legal or contractual documents; experience with export/import licenses for EAR / ITAR covered products and technologies is a plus
• Must be able to interface effectively with internal teams, organizational leadership, and government and/or commercial customers; prior experience working with DoW and Intelligence Community (IC) organizations on advanced technology, research, or AI/ML initiatives is a plus
• 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
• Must be a team player and exhibit leadership qualities; focuses on collaboration and puts the success of the team above one’s own interests
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office 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. Citizenship required, per ITAR definition
• Ability to obtain at minimum a Secret level DoD security clearance; active clearance is a plus
• Willingness to travel (Occasionally / Up to 25%)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$116,500 - $177,500

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