Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Director, Field Operations will be responsible for the design and execution of the Field Operations strategy in alignment with overall Company strategies, annual operating plan and 5-year business plan by overseeing an organization capable of executing its objectives consistent with the company's strategic intent. This position will also be responsible for the management of Customer relationships (both internal and external) relating to Field Operations and will ensure and optimize customer satisfaction.
Position Responsibilities:
Lead and manage a cross functional team for successful execution of field operations objectives. Facilitate discussions and debates, mediate conflict, and nurture collaborative cross-functional teaming
Execute Field Operations established technical goals and expectations. Articulate technical progress, problems, and resolutions to internal and external customers
Understand and coordinate the solutions for customer problems, needs and desires, company objectives and product line strategy
Drive in the implementation improvement opportunities within the functional area.
Manage Functional Area resource requirements
Assist in meeting all Functional Area financials
Ensure Company and customer data is protected in accordance with ITAR, security classification guides and company proprietary information procedures
Ensure compliance to and control of all Functional Area projects and requirements
Assess Functional Area risks, establish mitigation and contingency plans, and control
Track and analyze key performance indicators (metrics). Take action to address issues and opportunities
Ensure BOEs (Bases of Estimates) for project costs & schedules, product costs & performance margins are valid
Comprehend, communicate, and manage Field Operations priorities. Assist in managing department overhead budgets, and rates
Be a proactive leader and make sound, effective, data-driven decisions
Motivate, mentor, delegate, communicate clear, timely direction, and resolve team conflicts
Ensure adherence to Company policies and processes. Document and share best practices across Company
Maintain objectivity and composure under pressure. Personally display and enable the personal and leadership characteristics desired by the Company
Lead with rapid agility to deal with shifting priorities, demands, and timelines
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in Flight/Field Operations
Minimum 12 years of direct experience in Flight/Field Operations; including 8 years management experience
Experience managing contracts with DoD
Proven ability to successfully manage high complexity, high risk, strategic programs, proposals and product lines
Experience interfacing directly with customers and executive leadership
Broad experience developing and managing successful technical teams
Track record of establishing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships
Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication, with the ability to "think on one's feet" in high pressure situations
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects successfully
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Operating Systems, Excel, PowerPoint and Word
Must be able to obtain a Secret and likely a Top Secret clearance
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:
Advanced degree preferred
Project Management Experience; PMP Certification highly preferred
Prior military instructor/Special Operations experience highly desirable
Prefer Special Forces, SEAL, Special Tactics, Ranger, Force Recon / MARSOC, Scout, Forward Observer, TACP, or Aviation backgrounds
Outstanding Leadership skills and experience in R&D environment desired
Experience managing International (ex-US) contracts desired
Able to project credibility and sincerity in any situation
Able to work effectively and efficiently across functions and have a proven track record of working successfully across multiple levels of an organization
Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals 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
Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
Physical Demands
Ability to travel both domestic and international up to 25% of the time
Ability to work in an office or home 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
No Clearance
The salary range for this role is:
$148,000 - $217,875
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:
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.
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.
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 is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.
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)
