Product Line Director – EW Communications Technology

AeroVironment•Huntsville, AL

1d•$148,000 - $237,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Line Director (PLD) for the AV EW Communications Technology group is responsible for overall product line ownership, assists with management of production programs, assists with program execution, and lifecycle management across the AV EW Communications Technology portfolio. This role serves as the business and execution lead for AV EW Communications Technology programs, partnering closely with the AV EW leadership, chief engineering team and business development team to drive the technical roadmap while ensuring disciplined execution from concept development through production, fielding, and sustainment. The PLD is responsible for program performance, cost, schedule, risk, and customer satisfaction, and acts as the primary interface between customers, AV EW senior leadership and chief engineering team. This position plays a critical role in scaling EW System capabilities into operational Communications Technology for U.S. Government customers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Business, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
10+ years of experience in defense programs, product line management, or program management
Demonstrated experience leading directed energy, advanced weapons, or complex defense Communications Technology
Strong working knowledge of EACs, program financials, earned value concepts, and execution metrics
Experience working directly with U.S. Army, NNSA, U.S. Air Force, and/or other government customers
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams delivering complex, mission-critical Communications Technology
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment
Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance
U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

Responsibilities

Responsible for end-to-end execution of the AV EW Communications Technology product line across all phases of the program lifecycle: capture, development, integration, production, fielding, and sustainment
For programs associated with the AV EW Communications Technology group the PLD is responsible for cost, schedule, technical performance, and delivery commitments
Partner with the AV EW leadership and chief engineering team to align technical roadmap, architecture decisions, and capability evolution with customer requirements and business strategy
Lead cross-functional integrated product teams (IPTs) including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, contracts, and finance
Develop, manage, and execute program budgets, EACs, forecasts, and margin performance
Ensure disciplined program controls, risk management, and change management across contracts
Drive affordability, scalability, and producibility initiatives aligned with customer acquisition strategies
Support pricing strategies, proposal development, and negotiation for new programs, follow-ons, and production options
Act as a senior customer interface for AV EW Communications Technology programs with U.S. Army, NNSA, U.S. Air Force, and other DoD and interagency stakeholders
Support customer engagements including design reviews, program reviews, test events, fielding activities, and operational demonstrations
Translate evolving customer CONOPS and mission needs into executable program plans and product enhancements
Represent the AV EW Communications Technology product line in internal and external executive-level forums
Drive transition from development to production, including supply chain readiness, manufacturing scale-up, and quality assurance
Oversee sustainment planning, field support, spares, upgrades, and lifecycle cost reduction efforts
Ensure alignment with modular open Communications Technology approaches (MOSA) and long-term sustainment strategies
Support deployed Communications Technology with responsiveness and operational urgency