Worker Type

Job Description

 

At AV we provide a full suite of exquisite, space-qualified hardware trusted to fly in the most extreme environments space presents across GEO, MEO, LEO and Cislunar orbits. With hundreds of systems flying in space, our customers turn to AV when a mission can’t fail.

Our team is expanding to do the big things that have never been done before – the things the nation and the world are counting on us to deliver. Join the transformation and help us make this impact now.

Overview

AV seeks a Senior Program Manager to oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of the Space RF Systems (SRFS) portfolio. This multi-hire position requires high-level technical execution and cross-functional management, serving either as:

Deputy Program Manager for the primary BADGER program. Program Lead for BADGER/WASP IRAD and commercial development efforts.

The successful candidate will manage the full production lifecycle, from engineering design transition through final delivery, with a focus on maximizing customer satisfaction and program growth.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management & Financial Control

• Develop, manage, and maintain program plans, schedules, and budgets from inception to completion.

• Monitor program financial performance, expenditures, and forecasts for the SRFS portfolio and IRAD budgets.

• Coordinate resource allocation and optimization in collaboration with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and Group Leads.

• Monitor production metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives for cost reduction and efficiency.

Stakeholder & Contract Management

• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders (PM Team, Contracts, Finance, Purchasing).

• Perform contract administration, including reviewing terms, monitoring deliverables, and managing contract modifications.

• Collaborate with Contracts and Legal teams to ensure program compliance and mitigate scope creep.

• Coordinate technical teams to ensure a smooth transition of products from design to Operations/Manufacturing.

• Ensure strict compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards throughout the production process.

Risk Management & Reporting

• Monitor project progress and milestones, proactively identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies.

• Conduct post-project reviews and implement lessons learned to enhance future project performance.

• Develop and present formal schedule, financial, and technical briefings to both internal staff and external R&D customers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Minimum 12 - 15 years of experience in Program Management.

• Knowledge of production planning and scheduling techniques.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

• Experience with and understanding of DoD contracting and the acquisition process.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen able to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance

Desired Qualifications

• MS or advanced degree in an Engineering or Program Management field.

• Minimum 10+ years of experience managing technical programs with a budget of $100M or greater.

• Experience with the design and development of complex phased array systems is highly preferred.

• Prior experience with satellite ground systems.

• Experience with Unanet ERP or similar enterprise resource planning system.

• Experience with business intelligence reporting (e.g., PowerBI) and Microsoft Project.

• Demonstrated experience supporting proposal development and contract negotiation.

• Experience in the Aerospace or US Department of Defense sectors.

Clearance Level

 

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.

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