Program Manager I

AeroVironment, Inc.; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Program Manager I to oversee program execution, including cost, schedule, and technical performance. You will act as a focal point for one or more programs and provide a single point of contact for internal customers.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in business or engineering and 2–5 years of PM experience. ITAR compliance, security clearance, and strong communication are valued for this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in Program Management or related field.
• Experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Management of the program throughout the program life-cycle.
• Ensure alignment with Internal customers.
• Implementation and management of lead PM’s program controls and success criteria; support risk management.
• Coordinate and align project teams and their inter-dependencies.
• Establish, communicate, and manage program priorities.
• Align and inform stakeholders of program status and health.
• Lead program meetings and program reviews for internal customers and teams.
• Support the development, maintenance and reporting of program statistics.
• Analyze potential changes in program scope and characterize potential impact(s).
• Assist and/or coordinate the preparation of cost and technical proposals.
• Ensure adherence to Company policies and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Program Management

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Security Clearance

PMI CAPM

Communication

Leadership

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering related field

Tools

MS Project

Microsoft Office

PM tools

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Program Manager I (PM) is accountable for the support of the execution of company programs including cost, schedule, and technical performance. The PM understands the program life-cycle and supports all activities necessary to meet business goals and objectives. Working with a lead PM, the PM I acts as a focal point and authority for one or more Programs’ execution, and provides a single point of contact for program activities to internal customers.

Position Responsibilities

• Supports the Management of the program throughout the program’s life-cycle
• Ensure alignment with Internal customers
• Implementation and management of lead PM’s program controls and success criteria support the identification, analysis, and management all program-level risk
• Coordinate and align project teams and their inter-dependencies
• Establish, communicate, and manage program priorities
• Align and inform stakeholders of program’s status and health
• Lead program meetings and program reviews for internal customers and teams
• Support the development, maintenance and reporting of program statistics
• Analyze potential changes in program scope and characterize potential impact(s)
• Assists and/or coordinates the preparation of cost and technical proposals
• Ensure adherence to Company policies and processes
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering related field 2 – 5 years of experience in Program Management or related field
• Experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems is a plus
• Experience with International (ex-US) programs is desired
• Experience in a highly technical environment

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• PMI (or equivalent) certification (CAPM or higher) is a plus
• Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance strongly desired
• Knowledge of Project Management methods, tools and processes
• Must be able to interface effectively with internal teams
• Ability to work independently and interface with cross-functional disciplines
• A strong communicator able to articulate goals to team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Project)
• Courageous and a risk taker. A mover and shaker yet collaborative and inclusive of a team approach to results
• Committed to AV Values (Trust & Teamwork, Customer Commitment, Ownership & Results, and Innovate & Simplify) and emulates these values in all actions
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Strong Analytical and strategic thinking ability
• Leadership skills
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Very strong work ethic as well as honesty, trustworthiness and high integrity
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods (Frequent); talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Clearance Level No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $56,500 - $86,250.

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: 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.

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.

ITAR U.S. Citizenship required

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.