Product Line Manager – Defense & Aerospace

Roboticsconnected; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Product Line Manager to design, develop, and manage activities for a specific group of products. You will own the product line from concept through production and end-of-life, coordinating with customers and internal teams to socialize roadmaps and drive Go-to-Market plans.

The role requires 8–12 years in a technical development environment, plus experience with defense products and managing budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 8–12 years’ experience in a technical development environment.
• Proven track record of taking ownership and driving results – is a self-starter and self-directed.
• Experience in R&D, and product sustainment activities.
• Knowledge of UAS systems and products, and a track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated computer skills and proficiency with office productivity software.
• Experience managing a department or project budget.
• Experience with Defense products and customers.
• Experience managing the work of others.
• Familiarity with managing Profit/Loss.

Responsibilities

• Holds complete responsibility, accountability, and authority for a product line.
• Supports a product line through the entire lifecycle, sunrise to sunset.
• Establishes Go-to Market plans for new products while effectively balancing customer and business needs when retiring older products.
• Collaborates with Marketing and Business Development to define product pricing, promotion, placement, and preferred features.
• Supports the development of technical requirements, business requirements, and user stories which drive Product Requirements to Program Management, Engineering and Operations.
• Supports the prioritization and trade-offs among projects to effectively manage SUAS portfolio, achieve a balance of products, and address resource needs.
• Interfaces with customers to understand concept of operations and problem statements.
• Supports fiscal year budgeting for product line R&D and sustainment activities and holds budget accountability for their respective product line.
• Supports market assessments in support of current and future business opportunities.
• Assesses product and project risks and provide feedback risk mitigation and contingency plans developed by PMO and Engineering.
• Supports the new product introduction activities with engineering and operations and ensures alignment with the Go-to-Market plans.
• Reviews product line performance metrics and takes action to address issues and/or opportunities.
• Ensures project and customer data is protected in accordance with ITAR, security classification guides and company proprietary information procedures.
• Identifies and manages organizational and/or customer conflicts. Comprehends and improves relevant development processes, and ensure adherence.
• Works closely with Senior PLM team members to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments.
• Supports policy and procedure development for the Product Line team consistent with AeroVironment’s corporate Quality Management System.
• Supports continuous improvement and seeks opportunities to drive change through the organization in support of product development, manufacturing, cost and quality.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Technical leadership

R&D experience

Budget management

Defense products

UAS knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

Job description

AeroVironment is seeking a Product Line Manager to design, develop, and manage activities for a specific group of products. You will own the product line from concept through production and end-of-life, coordinating with customers and internal teams to socialize roadmaps and drive Go-to-Market plans.

The role requires 8–12 years in a technical development environment, plus experience with defense products and managing budgets.