Product Line Director - EW Systems

AeroVironment•Sunrise, FL

2d•$148,000 - $237,000•Onsite

About The Position

AV is growing and we are seeking an experienced Product Line Director (PLD) for the AV EW (Electronic Warfare) Systems group. The PLD will be responsible for overall product line ownership, assist with management of production programs, assist with program execution, and lifecycle management across the AV EW Systems portfolio. This role serves as the business and execution lead for AV EW Systems 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 systems 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 SIGINT/Cyber/EW/C-U systems developments.
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 systems.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment.
Currently posses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Masters or PhD degree in Hardware or Software Engineering Disciplines or related fields.
Advanced knowledge of wireless technology
Advanced knowledge of SIGINT/Cyber/EW/C-UAS systems
Advanced knowledge of Digital Signal Processing
Advanced knowledge of Firmware/Embedded Signal Processing
Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning (AI/ML) and application to EW systems
Proven track record of delivering larger Department of War (DoW) programs (+$10M)
Familiarity with DoW acquisition pathways, OTAs, rapid capability offices, and transition-to-program-of-record efforts
Currently posses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

Responsible for end-to-end execution of the AV EW Systems product line across all phases of the program lifecycle: capture, development, integration, production, fielding, and sustainment.
For programs associated with the AV EW Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems 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 systems approaches (MOSA) and long-term sustainment strategies.
Support deployed systems with responsiveness and operational urgency.