Manager, Flight Training

AeroVironment; Wilmington (MA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K matching

9/80 schedule

Paid holidays

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Flight Training Manager to supervise and enhance the MUAS Jump20 training program and other special initiatives. You will lead a team of 8–15 instructors, develop curricula, and manage training budgets to deliver qualified operators and mechanics for US government and other customers.

The role requires strong leadership, advanced aviation training experience, and the ability to coordinate classroom, simulators, and field operations, with travel up to 80% and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related area or equivalent experience in Training.
• 5+ years of technical adult learning and education program experience.
• 5+ years of personnel management experience.
• Experience in manned/unmanned aviation as Operator/Pilot/Flight Engineer or Mechanic.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality learning experiences.
• Proficient with office software and flight-related tools.
• Ability to obtain/hold Active Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the MUAS Jump20 training program and other initiatives.
• Supervise 8–15 instructors and coordinate multiple training phases.
• Assist Field Operations with hiring Field Service Representatives.
• Refine course materials and syllabus content.
• Develop and evaluate training budgets.
• Ensure standardized procedures are taught and followed.
• Conduct after-action reviews for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate training facilities for air/ground training needs.
• Collaborate with product line management on flight test feedback.
• Mentor staff and manage costs, methods, and staffing.
• Interact with senior management across divisions and customers.
• Travel (International & Domestic) up to 80%.

Job description

Petaluma, CA

US Regional

Full time

7730

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Flight Training Manager (FTM) is responsible for supervising and developing the Training program to ensure effective Training operations for the Medium Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (MUAS) Jump20 program and other special programs. The FTM will build rapport and collaboration with the instruction team. The Training program consists of Basic Qualification, Instructor Qualification, Refresher, and Requalification Training. The Training cycle is variable based on demand and growth. The FTM is primarily responsible for producing qualified, competent and agile operators/mechanics to support US government and other customers. The Training consists of classroom academics, simulators (both in person and remote Training), and field operations. Additionally, the FTM supports customer-facing product demonstration events for existing and potential customers as required.

Position Responsibilities

• Cultivate a professional, cohesive team environment leading to efficient and effective Training.
• Execute concurrent simultaneous phases of Training in support of multiple programs with a group of 8-15 instructors.
• Assist the Field Operations team with the hiring of Field Service Representatives (FSRs) for each class.
• Refine and develop course materials and syllabus content.
• Develop and evaluate Training budgets.
• Ensure Instructors are teaching standardized procedures.
• Conduct after action reports on Training for continued improvement.
• Ensures Training area (air and ground space) is sufficient to accommodate MUAS Operator Training Course.
• Works closely with product line management to review flight test and customer feedback for the express purpose of identifying preventative and corrective actions that will lead to a better-trained Operator/Mechanic.
• Exercises supervision in terms of costs, methods, and staffing; mentors and provides guidance to staff.
• Regularly interacts with senior management or executive levels on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers.
• Travel (International & Domestic) up to 80%

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent years of experience in Training.
• 5+ years of technical adult learning and education program experience.
• 5+ years of personnel management experience.
• Past experience in manned and/or unmanned aviation in either fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft as an Operator, Pilot, Flight Engineer or Mechanic.
• Broad knowledge of learning techniques.
• Proven experience of delivering high-quality learning experiences.
• Proven ability to effectively manage, lead and motivate a team.
• Project management and customer service skills to manage multiple priorities in a complex challenging environment.
• Demonstrated intermediate to advanced computer skills and proficiency with office software, productivity tools and relevant flight software.
• Because of various out-of-area Training/maintenance requirements, must be available on both short and long-term assignments away from home, both CONUS and OCONUS.
• Clean driving record required in order to drive company vehicles
• Active Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain one
• Ability to speak, read, and write in English.
• Ability to travel up to 25% annually.
• Be able to obtain a US Passport.
• Must be able to travel (International & Domestic) up to 80%

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experienced people leader and team player.
• Skilled at working on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of the company.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees.
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision.
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change.
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships.
• Be able to Assess the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity.
• This position is required to be onsite as needed (scheduled in advance). Initially there will be flexibility in where the person holding this position lives. At a future date to be determined (expected 6 months – 1 year), it is expected for this person to relocate to California near the training office for permanent onsite responsibilities. Location of permanent training offices to be determined.

Physical Demands

• Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Frequent).
• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Frequent)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Constant)

Clearance Level

Secret

Salary Range

$117,500 - $179,250

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.

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

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.

Equity & Diversity Statement

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.

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, and 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.

Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)