VP, Loitering Munitions Systems (Business Unit)

avav; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 390,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental vision

401K with company matching

a 9/80 work schedule

a paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment in Southern California seeks a visionary VP to lead the Loitering Munitions Systems Business Unit. This senior executive will drive growth, oversee end-to-end programs, and ensure operational excellence across development, production, and sustainment for national security objectives.

The role requires deep aerospace/defense experience, leadership of large P&L organizations, and the ability to align product innovation with evolving threat environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field.
• Minimum 15 years in defense/aerospace/tech with loitering munitions or related systems.
• 7–10 years of progressive people leadership including senior leaders.
• Proven success leading high-growth P&L units or portfolios.
• Deep knowledge of DoD procurement processes and international defense markets.
• Established relationships with senior defense officials and stakeholders.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, operations, PM, and business development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the LMS strategic vision and long-term growth roadmap.
• Own full P&L for the LMS Unit including revenue, margin, and investments.
• Deliver the Annual Operating Plan with revenue growth and cost discipline.
• Lead product strategy and roadmap to maintain differentiation in loitering munitions.
• Oversee development, production, and sustainment with cost, schedule, and quality focus.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, FAR/DFARS and internal policies.
• Build relationships with customers, defense agencies, and primes.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Skills

Loitering munitions

P&L leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance ITAR/EAR

Mission and defense domain

Education

MBA / MS or related

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

VP, Loitering Munitions Systems (Business Unit)

Summary

AeroVironment (AV) is seeking an experienced, visionary Vice President to lead our Loitering Munitions Systems (LMS) Business Unit within the Precision Strike and Defensive Systems Group. This position is based in our Southern California Simi Valley location, reporting to the Senior Vice President, General Manager, Precision Strike & Defensive Systems. This senior executive will be accountable for driving business growth, operational excellence, and strategic execution across a rapidly evolving, high-impact portfolio that directly supports U.S. and allied national security objectives.

The VP, LMS will own the end-to-end lifecycle of loitering munitions products and programs—from concept development and customer engagement through engineering, manufacturing, delivery, and long-term sustainment. This role will translate AV’s mission into operational reality by fielding capabilities that materially improve warfighter effectiveness and allied readiness.

This role requires deep domain expertise in aerospace and defense, a strong record of leading large, technically complex P&L organizations, and the ability to align product innovation with emerging threat environments and customer mission needs.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision and long-term growth roadmap for the LMS Business Unit, in alignment with AV’s corporate strategy, with a clear focus on winning strategic programs/captures and expanding our market position.
• Full P&L responsibility for the LMS Business Unit, including revenue, margin, cash, and investment decisions.
• Own and deliver the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), driving consistent revenue growth, margin improvement, and disciplined cost management.
• Lead product strategy and roadmap, ensuring our loitering munitions portfolio maintains clear technical and operational differentiation in the market.
• Oversee successful execution of development, production, and sustainment programs, with a strong focus on cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and customer satisfaction, while standing up or maturing critical capabilities in coordination with operations (e.g., new manufacturing lines, new variant fielding, improved on-time delivery).
• Ensure rigorous compliance with all applicable government regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR, FAR/DFARS), internal policies, and the highest ethical standards.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with key customers, including U.S. and international defense agencies, military services, and prime contractors.
• Partner closely with Business Development and Capture teams to shape opportunities, lead key captures, and expand into adjacent markets, mission sets, and technology applications.
• Attract, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team; build strong leadership and technical bench strength across the organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Represent LMS and AV at senior customer meetings, industry forums, and internal executive reviews.
• Travel frequently within the U.S. and internationally, as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in defense, aerospace, or advanced technology, with deep knowledge of loitering munitions, uncrewed systems, or closely related systems.
• At least 7–10 years of progressive people‑leadership experience, including direct responsibility for senior leaders.
• Demonstrated success leading high-growth, complex P&L business units or portfolios.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. Department of Defense procurement processes (e.g., JCIDS, PPBE, acquisition lifecycle), international defense markets, and classified programs.
• Established relationships with senior defense officials, military services, acquisition communities, and other key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, operations, program management, and business development.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or related) highly preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills; able to evaluate trade-offs, prioritize effectively, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strategic, forward-thinking mindset - able to anticipate future requirements, explore multiple courses of action, and adapt decision-making to changing circumstances.
• Inspiring leadership style that motivates and empowers people to deliver ambitious organizational goals while supporting their growth and engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to translate organizational values into daily behaviors, creating a shared vision and strong sense of purpose.
• Proven track record as a change champion - driving transformation, promoting agility, and helping teams navigate and embrace change.

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required
• Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required
• Ability to obtain Secret clearance with the ability to obtain Top Secret clearance

Clearance Level

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

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.

Benefits

• medical
• dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• 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. 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 - 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.

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.