Operations Project Manager

AeroVironment, Inc.; Strathearn (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking an experienced Operations Program Manager to serve as the main liaison between the program and all Operations functions, including Production Planning, Supply Chain, and the production factories.

The OPM will act as the central point of contact for Operations activities across one or more programs. The role requires coordinating with Sustaining Engineering and the Program Manager to align requirements, manage controls and baselines, and report on program status,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing Management, or Engineering related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 8–12 years of experience in Operations &/or Project Management.
• Proven track record of running multiple, successful projects.
• Demonstrated, collaborative problem-solving skill set.
• Experience in a highly technical environment.
• Deep knowledge of Project Management methods, tools, and processes.
• Must be able to interface effectively with internal teams as well as government and commercial customers.
• Basic familiarity with use and application of export licenses for the export of military products to foreign countries

Responsibilities

• Management of the Operations portion of the program throughout the program's life cycle
• Working with Sustaining Engineering and the Program Manager, ensures alignment and understanding of requirements.
• Development, implementation, and management of controls and success criteria to provide and status a performance measurement baseline.
• Identify, analyze, and report on Operations Risks & Opportunities
• Coordinates and aligns project teams and their inter-dependencies.
• In conjunction with Planning and the Factory Managers, establishes, communicates, and reports factory priorities.
• Aligns and informs stakeholders of program's status hardware (delivery) status.
• Participate in Corrective Action Leads program meetings and program reviews with the operations and general management a Working with Supply Chain, ensures the proper flow down of technical and schedule requirements to critical subcontract and purchased part suppliers. Understanding and maintenance of product requirements
• Manages potential changes in program scope and advise leadership and customer of potential impact.
• Assists and/or coordinates the preparation of cost proposals.
• Ensures adherence to Company policies and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Risk & issues management

Technical environment experience

Export controls knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering or related field

Tools

Oracle

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Operations Program Manager, serves as the primary point of contact between the program/Program Manager and all Operations functions including Production Planning, Supply Chain Management, and the production factories (Composites, Avionics/Engines, Final). The OPM acts as the central focal point and authority for the execution of Operations activities (Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Supports) for one or more Programs. The OPM provides a single point of contact for Operations activities to internal customers.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Management of the Operations portion of the program throughout the program's life cycle
• Working with Sustaining Engineering and the Program Manager, ensures alignment and understanding of requirements.
• Development, implementation, and management of controls and success criteria to provide and status a performance measurement baseline.
• Identify, analyze, and report on Operations Risks & Opportunities
• Coordinates and aligns project teams and their inter-dependencies.
• In conjunction with Planning and the Factory Managers, establishes, communicates, and reports factory priorities.
• Aligns and informs stakeholders of program's status hardware (delivery) status.
• Participate in Corrective Action Leads program meetings and program reviews with the operations and general management a Working with Supply Chain, ensures the proper flow down of technical and schedule requirements to critical subcontract and purchased part suppliers. Understanding and maintenance of product requirements
• Manages potential changes in program scope and advise leadership and customer of potential impact.
• Assists and/or coordinates the preparation of cost proposals.
• Ensures adherence to Company policies and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing Management, or Engineering related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum 8-12 years of experience in Operations &/or Project Management
• Proven track record of running multiple, successful projects.
• Demonstrated, collaborative problem-solving skill set.
• Experience in a highly technical environment.
• Deep knowledge of Project Management methods, tools, and processes.
• Must be able to interface effectively with internal teams as well as government and commercial customers.
• Basic familiarity with use and application of export licenses for the export of military products to foreign countries

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:

• A working knowledge of Oracle is desirable.
• Experience and background with DoD contracts preferred.
• Familiarity with AS-9100 Quality standards is desirable.
• Good organizational and communication skills (written and verbal) are necessary.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods (Frequent)
• Required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
• Able to lift up to 10 lbs. and carry objects of varying sizes and shapes (Occasional)

Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $111,000 - $169,250

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. 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.

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 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.