Program Director

AeroVironment • Herndon, VA

5h

About The Position

AV is seeking an experienced Program Director to lead a cross-functional team in the development and delivery of a complex integrated air and missile defense architecture supporting our nation’s defense mission. The successful candidate must have prior military experience with a focus on operational and acquisition roles, providing essential insight and expertise required to lead defense programs effectively. The ideal candidate will also have proven leadership of large, multi-disciplinary teams and full Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for multi-million-dollar program portfolios. This role requires expert execution of defense acquisition programs leveraging formal program management processes, rigorous risk management, and stakeholder engagement to deliver high-impact capabilities on time and within budget.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 7 – 10 years of directly related program management experience
• Minimum of 5 – 7 years' People management of Project and Program Managers
• Prior military service with operational and acquisition experience is mandatory, providing essential knowledge critical to this role.
• Experience working on integrated air and missile defense and/or CUAS systems and 10+ years of leadership experience managing complex defense programs with P&L responsibility .
• Deep experience in C2 systems and mission solutions integration
• Experience in integrated air and missile defense systems or closely related defense systems.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, MIL-STD-881F WBS standards, and formal program management documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and interface effectively with government and industry stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and program management tools.
• ITAR Requirement: T his 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.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Organizational Leadership, Business, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), integrated master scheduling, and defense financial reporting tools.
• DAWIA certifications or equivalent program management credentials.
• Knowledge of emerging missile technologies such as kinetic and non-kinetic systems, C2 enhancements, and sensor technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage large-scale integrated air and missile defense programs including multi layered CUAS solutions from initiation through sustainment, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance, P&L accountability, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Develop, present, and maintain key program management documentation, including: Program Kickoff Plans establishing personnel, processes, tools, and immediate milestones to accelerate program start-up.
• Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) compliant with MIL-STD-881F, linking all elements to weapon system specifications to enable clear traceability and control.
• Program Management Plans (PMPs) defining quality standards, deliverable schedules, and program execution approaches tailored to each phase of performance.
• Participate in proposal development to support additional work scope and manage pre-award performance to budget.
• Facilitate negotiations involving major project parameters such as deliverable definition and performance objectives (cost, schedule, quality).
• Manage integrated master schedules and earned value metrics, leading risk identification and mitigation efforts.
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Oversee resources including personnel, facilities, budgets, and schedules to meet performance requirements and commitments.
• Report program status and performance metrics to program leadership and customers.
• Coordinate multi-company and government teams to ensure seamless execution of technical, financial, contractual, and logistical program aspects.
• Direct proposal efforts, contract negotiations, and compliance monitoring consistent with DoD and defense industry best practices.
• Provide regular briefings and updates to senior government leadership, industry executives, and international stakeholders.

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 .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees