Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
AV is seeking an experienced Program Director to lead a cross-functional team in the development and delivery of a complex integrated air and missile defense architecture supporting our nation's defense mission. The successful candidate must have prior military experience with a focus on operational and acquisition roles, providing essential insight and expertise required to lead defense programs effectively. The ideal candidate will also have proven leadership of large, multi-disciplinary teams and full Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for multi-million-dollar program portfolios. This role requires expert execution of defense acquisition programs leveraging formal program management processes, rigorous risk management, and stakeholder engagement to deliver high-impact capabilities on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage large-scale integrated air and missile defense programs including multi layered CUAS solutions from initiation through sustainment, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance, P&L accountability, and alignment with strategic objectives.
Develop, present, and maintain key program management documentation, including:
Program Kickoff Plans establishing personnel, processes, tools, and immediate milestones to accelerate program start-up.
Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) compliant with MIL-STD-881F, linking all elements to weapon system specifications to enable clear traceability and control.
Program Management Plans (PMPs) defining quality standards, deliverable schedules, and program execution approaches tailored to each phase of performance.
Participate in proposal development to support additional work scope and manage pre-award performance to budget.
Facilitate negotiations involving major project parameters such as deliverable definition and performance objectives (cost, schedule, quality).
Manage integrated master schedules and earned value metrics, leading risk identification and mitigation efforts.
Identify and manage project risks, issues, and opportunities.
Oversee resources including personnel, facilities, budgets, and schedules to meet performance requirements and commitments.
Report program status and performance metrics to program leadership and customers.
Coordinate multi-company and government teams to ensure seamless execution of technical, financial, contractual, and logistical program aspects.
Direct proposal efforts, contract negotiations, and compliance monitoring consistent with DoD and defense industry best practices.
Provide regular briefings and updates to senior government leadership, industry executives, and international stakeholders.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum of 7 - 10 years of directly related program management experience
Minimum of 5 - 7 years' People management of Project and Program Managers
Prior military service with operational and acquisition experience is mandatory, providing essential knowledge critical to this role.
Experience working on integrated air and missile defense and/or CUAS systems and 10+ years of leadership experience managing complex defense programs with P&L responsibility .
Deep experience in C2 systems and mission solutions integration
Experience in integrated air and missile defense systems or closely related defense systems.
Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, MIL-STD-881F WBS standards, and formal program management documentation.
Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and interface effectively with government and industry stakeholders.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and program management tools.
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Advanced degree in Organizational Leadership, Business, Engineering, or related discipline.
Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), integrated master scheduling, and defense financial reporting tools.
DAWIA certifications or equivalent program management credentials.
Knowledge of emerging missile technologies such as kinetic and non-kinetic systems, C2 enhancements, and sensor technologies.
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
Clearance Level
Secret
The salary range for this role is:
$160,000 - $226,800
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 Requirement:
T_ _his 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.
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.
Who We Are
Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC.
Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed.
What We Do
Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
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. Citizenship required
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.
Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)
