Strategic Program Lead for Complex Defense Programs

AeroVironment, Inc.; California (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in the United States is seeking a Sr. Program Manager to oversee the execution of complex programs, manage lifecycle activities, and mentor other PMs.

You will serve as the single point of contact for internal and external customers, guiding program performance and strategic direction. Key responsibilities include planning, cost/schedule estimation, risk management, requirements definition, budget and EAC management, and stakeholder communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering required, or equivalent experience.
• 12–15 years of Program Management experience.
• Experience leading teams on advanced technical development programs.
• Proven track record of managing multiple concurrent programs.
• Experience with firm-fixed-price programs and risk management plans.
• Strong knowledge of project management methods, tools and processes.
• Ability to interface with internal teams and government/commercial customers.
• Knowledge of export licenses for military products to foreign countries.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Strong communication, leadership and integrity.
• Some travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Provide PM leadership in development of planning, top-down requirements, and cost/schedule/scope estimation for complex programs.
• Lead bottom-up cost/schedule/scope estimation, resource planning and IMS development for complex programs.
• Ensure customer alignment and satisfaction with internal and external customers.
• Define, implement, and manage program controls and success criteria.
• Identify, analyze, and manage all program-level risk.
• Publish data to support improvements in product development and customer relations.
• Establish and manage program priorities.
• Manage programs using integrated, resource-loaded master schedule and allocate resources based on risk.
• Lead program meetings and reviews with customer and executive staff.
• Develop program plans including budget, EAC, resource allocation, and communications.
• Lead and support creation and maintenance of product requirements.
• Manage potential changes in scope and advise leadership on impact.
• Support Business Development in bidding and capturing opportunities.
• Oversee preparation of cost and technical proposals.
• Ensure program execution adheres to company policies and processes.
• Lead PMs to produce relevant program reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

PM leadership

Risk management

Team leadership

Stakeholder communication

Project management methods

Interfacing with customers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering

Technical Master's degree preferred

PMI certification preferred

Active Secret / Top Secret clearance preferred

Tools

MS Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

AeroVironment, Inc. in the United States is seeking a Sr. Program Manager to oversee the execution of complex programs, manage lifecycle activities, and mentor other PMs.

You will serve as the single point of contact for internal and external customers, guiding program performance and strategic direction. Key responsibilities include planning, cost/schedule estimation, risk management, requirements definition, budget and EAC management, and stakeholder communication.