Manager, Operations Project Mgmt

AeroVironment, Inc.; Strathearn (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. seeks a Manager of Operations Project Management to lead the LMS Operations PM group, oversee plans and budgets, and ensure timely project delivery.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams across procurement, manufacturing, and quality control while guiding a team of professionals and supervisors with clear accountability. The role requires deep PM expertise, strong communication, and the ability to optimize processes for cost reduction and efficiency across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing Management, or Engineering or in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Advanced degree, MBA or MS is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Aerospace and/or Defense experience preferred.
• Proficient in using manufacturing software systems and tools, such as ERP systems, MES, and data analytics platforms.
• Project Management proficiency and related experience.
• Knowledge in manufacturing principles, processes, and technologies.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and best practices, such as ISO 9001.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills.
• Ability to set long-term goals and communicate them to others.
• Ability to motivate and organize multiple efforts to accomplish goals.

Responsibilities

• Manage the activities and performance of Operations Project Management professionals and/or supervisors, providing direction, guidance, and accountability for team results.
• Oversee the development and implementation of project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resources, to ensure operational efficiency and project success.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project components are executed according to plan, including procurement, manufacturing, and quality control.
• Oversee vendor and supplier activities to secure necessary goods and services within established budgetary constraints.
• Analyze operational processes and recommend improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address resource requirements and operational challenges.
• Determine and allocate resources to meet project schedules, operational priorities, and business goals.
• Facilitate communication between project stakeholders, including regular status reporting and project reviews, to ensure alignment and address concerns.
• Oversee risk management strategies to identify potential project obstacles and establish appropriate contingency plans.
• Recommend changes to processes, policies, and procedures that affect the function or related disciplines.
• Provide technical and operational guidance to employees, colleagues, and internal customers.
• Oversee post-project evaluations to assess outcomes, document lessons learned, and integrate findings into future project planning processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Communication

ERP Systems

MES

Data Analytics

Manufacturing Principles

ISO 9001

Budgeting

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's in Business/Engineering

MBA preferred

Tools

ERP

MES

Data Analytics Platforms

Job description

Worker Type Regular

Job Description Summary

The Manager, Operations Project Management plays a significant role in ensuring that projects within the LMS Operations organization are executed efficiently, meeting established timelines and budget constraints while aligning with the company’s strategic goals. This position manages the activities and performance of Operations Project Management professionals and/or supervisors, oversees project execution from initiation through completion, and ensures resources are allocated effectively. By providing leadership and maintaining clear communication across project teams and stakeholders, the Manager ensures operational priorities are achieved, potential issues are addressed proactively, and continuous improvement opportunities are identified.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage the activities and performance of Operations Project Management professionals and/or supervisors, providing direction, guidance, and accountability for team results.
• Oversee the development and implementation of project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resources, to ensure operational efficiency and project success.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project components are executed according to plan, including procurement, manufacturing, and quality control.
• Oversee vendor and supplier activities to secure necessary goods and services within established budgetary constraints.
• Analyze operational processes and recommend improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address resource requirements and operational challenges.
• Determine and allocate resources to meet project schedules, operational priorities, and business goals.
• Facilitate communication between project stakeholders, including regular status reporting and project reviews, to ensure alignment and address concerns.
• Oversee risk management strategies to identify potential project obstacles and establish appropriate contingency plans.
• Recommend changes to processes, policies, and procedures that affect the function or related disciplines.
• Provide technical and operational guidance to employees, colleagues, and internal customers.
• Oversee post-project evaluations to assess outcomes, document lessons learned, and integrate findings into future project planning processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing Management, or Engineering or in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Advanced degree, MBA or MS is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Aerospace and/or Defense experience preferred.
• Proficient in using manufacturing software systems and tools, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and data analytics platforms.
• Project Management proficiency and related experience.
• Knowledge in manufacturing principles, processes, and technologies.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and best practices, such as ISO 9001.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills.
• Ability to set long-term goals and communicate them to others.
• Ability to motivate and organize multiple efforts to accomplish goals.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to speak and write persuasively.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships.
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances.
• 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.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.
• Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer. May require travel to sites/program and special functions.

Environmental Conditions

Critical to Performance: Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating. May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling.

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.
• Clearance Level No Clearance.
• 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

• 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.

The salary range for this role is: $117,500 - $179,250 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.

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.

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. Careers at AeroVironment