Senior Director Program Management — Complex Defense

avav; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 299,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

401K with company match

Paid holidays

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Senior Director, Program Management to lead cross-functional teams delivering Loitering Munition Systems (LMS). You will shape master plans, budgets, and schedules, mentor 5–8 PMs, and drive proposals, contracts, and BD initiatives to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

You will partner with peers across engineering, finance, and operations to implement PM standards, optimize resources, and manage risk across multiple concurrent programs in a fast-paced defense

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science or related field required.
• Minimum 15+ years in program management with 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience leading large, complex programs with multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to plan, budget, and staff programs; strong negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Formulates long-term master plans and schedules for UAS design and development.
• Leads a team of 5 to 8 Program/Project Managers and directs PMO objectives.
• Develops and executes project plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Interacts with clients on specifications, contracts, and feasibility assessments.
• Drives policies and standards for program management and cross-functional coordination.
• Mentors staff and supports bid/proposal activities and BD initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Negotiation

Strategic planning

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/related field

MS Engineering/MBA preferred

MBA preferred

Job description

AeroVironment is seeking a Senior Director, Program Management to lead cross-functional teams delivering Loitering Munition Systems (LMS). You will shape master plans, budgets, and schedules, mentor 5–8 PMs, and drive proposals, contracts, and BD initiatives to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

You will partner with peers across engineering, finance, and operations to implement PM standards, optimize resources, and manage risk across multiple concurrent programs in a fast-paced defense