Senior Program Director, UAS Delivery & Strategy

avav; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment seeks a Director of Program Management to oversee a team of 5–8 program managers, directing planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution for UAS programs. You will lead cross-functional groups, shape proposals, and negotiate contracts while ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.

The role requires senior-level leadership, engineering insight, and strong program governance. ITAR/EAR compliance is mandatory, with a US-citizen requirement for specific contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science or related field required or equivalent
• Minimum 7–10 years of directly related program management experience
• Minimum 5–7 years' People management of Project and Program Managers
• Experience leading a major function or product area
• Controls planning, staffing, budgeting, managing multiple priorities and implementing change
• Regular interactions with peers/leaders across functions to resolve issues
• Leverages talent across the organization to achieve predictable results
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles for technical plans and drawings
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
• Negotiation skills to influence outcomes within and outside department
• Business and management knowledge for strategic planning and resource allocation
• Occasional travel within the Continental U.S.

Responsibilities

• Formulates and executes long-term master plans and schedules in support of UAS design and development
• Selects and evaluates personnel to ensure efficient operation of the Program Management Office
• Lead a team size of 5 to 8 Program/Project Managers
• Develops, defines and executes project plans, schedules, budgets and deliverables
• Identifies resources for projects and defines major project roles
• Monitors projects from initiation through delivery with internal/external customers
• Directs work of staff providing leadership and direction
• Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications
• Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts
• Support feasibility assessment by analyzing technology and market demand
• Develop and implement policies for Program Management and engineering work
• Review and approve contracts or cost estimates
• Direct recruitment and evaluation of engineering staff
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Leadership

Proposal development

Contract negotiation

People management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/CS

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

AeroVironment seeks a Director of Program Management to oversee a team of 5–8 program managers, directing planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution for UAS programs. You will lead cross-functional groups, shape proposals, and negotiate contracts while ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.

The role requires senior-level leadership, engineering insight, and strong program governance. ITAR/EAR compliance is mandatory, with a US-citizen requirement for specific contracts.