Sr. Director, Program Management

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

ITAR compliance

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Senior Director, Program Management to lead complex development programs. The role directs cross-functional teams focused on Loitering Munition Systems, oversees master plans, and partners with BD and Finance to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

Ideal candidates have 15+ years in program management with substantial leadership experience, and strong capabilities in planning, budgeting, and negotiation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science or related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 15+ years of relevant program management experience with at least 3 years in a people leadership role.
• 8+ years in direct management of Program/Project Managers.
• Experience leading large, complex programs (5+ concurrent projects).
• Strong budgeting, staffing, and change-management capabilities.
• Excellent interaction with peers/leaders across functions to resolve issues.

Responsibilities

• Formulates and executes long-term master plans and schedules for UAS design and development.
• Leads a team of 5 to 8 Program/Project Managers to deliver on time and on budget.
• Develops project plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• negotiates contracts and prepares project specifications with clients.
• Monitors projects from initiation to delivery, interfacing with customers and field staff.
• Supports recruitment, mentorship, and development of staff.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Senior Director, Program Management is a recognized Program and Project Management leader and has successfully led complex development programs. As a recognized Program Management expert, provides leadership direction with proposal development, contract negotiation and contract compliance, which may include assisting with plans, specifications and financial terms of various government and/or commercial contracts. Actively participates in business development initiatives. Ensures master plans and schedules are followed, developing solutions to program challenges, and directing others for successful completion of project on time and on budget. Directs people who lead cross-functional program/project teams that are focused on the design and delivery of Loitering Munition Systems (LMS). Supports peers in the definition and leading of the company’s Project/Program Management tools.

Position Responsibilities

• Formulates and executes long-term master plans and schedules in the support of UAS design and development; leads in Continuous Improvement activities
• Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the Program Management Office. Accountable for departmentalobjectivesand deliverables
• Typicallywill lead a team size of 5 to 8 Program/Project Managers
• Develops,definesand executes project plans, schedules,budgetsand deliverables
• Identifiesneeded resources for projects; defines and assigns major project roles
• Monitors theproduct/program/projectfrom initiation through delivery, interfacing with both internal and external customers and field-based employees on technical matters, as needed.
• Assigns and monitors work of project/program management staff, providing leadership, mentoring, and technical support and direction.
• Consults or negotiates with clients to prepare project specifications
• Prepares budgets, bids, or contracts
• Leads the assessment of project feasibility by analyzing technology, resource needs, or market demand; recommends at-risk forecast based upon BD and Finance input to support operational execution to business plan
• Leads the development and implementation of policies, standards, or procedures for Program Management,engineeringand technical work
• Reviews, recommends, or approves contracts or cost estimates
• Directs recruitment, placement, and evaluation of project staff
• Supports the development of other Project/Program Managers
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree inElectrical/MechanicalEngineering/Computer Scienceor related field isrequiredor equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 15+ years of relevant program management experience with at least 3 years in a people leadership role
• Minimum of 8+ years in direct management of Program/Project Managers
• Significant experienceleading a major function or product area
• Experienced successfully planning large, complex programs (5 or more concurrent projects)
• Significant experiencein controls planning, staffing, budgeting, managing multiple priorities and recommending and implementing change
• Expert ability to interact with peers/leaders and managers across functions toidentifyand resolve issues
• Expert ability toleveragetalent across the organization and across functions to achieve predictable Program/Project results
• Expert ability toutilizeleadership and negotiation skills to influence outcomes both within and outside of department area
• Design — Expert knowledge of design techniques, tools, andprinciplesinvolved in development of technical plans, schematics, drawings, and models.
• Mathematics — Expert knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• MS Engineering/MBA is preferred
• Ability to clarify the functional or product strategy and long-term goals for others; implements strategy with some autonomy
• Ability to use vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explores multiple potential paths, and adapts decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Ability to inspire, motivate and empower people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
• Ability to manage project outcomes by providing feedback & support in a sensitive and clear manner
• Ability to bring organizational values to life using personality,uniquenessand the creation of a shared vision; ensuring individuals and teams are working in a manner consistent with organizational values
• Ability to champion the process of change and promote a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change andleveragingchange management best practices
• Ability to assess the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takesappropriate actionto mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity
• Displays strong initiative and drive toaccomplishgoals 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
• Has strong interpersonal and communication skills; focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one’s own interests

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an officeenvironment(Constant)
• Required tosit and stand forlong periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers tooperatea computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

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.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

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 not building history, 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 Requirement:

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.

$187,000 - $299,000

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required

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.