Associate Vice President, Product Commercialization - Space & Directed Energy

AeroVironment • Albuquerque, NM

1d

About The Position

AV Inc. is a defense technology company specializing in advanced autonomous systems, AI-enabled mission platforms, and next-generation sensing and control architectures. We develop mission-critical capabilities that enhance operational advantage across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains. As we scale from advanced prototyping into full-rate production and global deployment, AV Inc. is seeking an Associate Vice President of Product Commercialization to lead the transition of breakthrough technologies into sustainable, high-growth defense programs.

The Associate VP of Product Commercialization will own the strategy and execution required to move AV Inc.'s products from R&D and demonstration phases into Programs of Record, production contracts, and long-term revenue streams. This executive will bridge product development, business development, capture, pricing, and customer engagement to accelerate adoption across U.S. DoD, allied defense agencies, and select dual-use markets. This role is both strategic and operational, requiring deep familiarity with defense acquisition pathways and a strong track record of scaling advanced technologies in regulated environments.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in defense, aerospace, or national security sectors.
• 7+ years in executive leadership roles with commercialization or P&L ownership.
• Demonstrated success transitioning advanced technologies from R&D to scaled production.
• Deep understanding of U.S. DoD acquisition pathways (FAR, DFARS, OTAs, SBIR/STTR transitions).
• Experience managing large revenue portfolios ($100M+ preferred).
• Active security clearance preferred or ability to obtain.

Nice To Haves

• Background in space systems (ground + space) and Directed Energy Systems (Optics, Lasers, C3).
• Experience working with DARPA, DIU, service labs, or rapid acquisition organizations.
• International defense sales exposure (FMS, DCS).
• MBA or advanced technical degree.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute AV Inc.'s enterprise commercialization roadmap.
• Define target markets, priority mission sets, and phased market entry strategies.
• Establish pricing models aligned to FAR/DFARS structures, IDIQs, OTAs, and FMS channels.
• Create scalable monetization strategies for hardware, software, sustainment, and lifecycle services.
• Lead the progression from prototype and pilot programs to production awards.
• Build repeatable frameworks for TRL advancement and operational validation.
• Partner with Engineering and Program Management to ensure product readiness for procurement cycles.
• Align product strategy with capture and pipeline development.
• Support major proposals and competitive positioning.
• Cultivate relationships with primes, integrators, and strategic channel partners.
• Expand international opportunities within compliance constraints.
• Build and scale a commercialization organization (product marketing, pricing, transition management, customer success).
• Define KPIs including transition rate, pipeline conversion, margin expansion, and recurring revenue growth.
• Serve as a key executive voice in board-level commercialization strategy discussions.
• Ensure adherence to ITAR, EAR, export control, and classified program requirements.
• Partner with Legal and Contracts to structure compliant international growth strategies.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees