Program Manager II – Sustaining

AeroVironment•Petaluma, CA

About The Position

The Program Manager II is responsible for executing company programs, including cost, schedule, and technical performance. The role oversees program life cycles and manages the activities required to meet business goals and objectives. Serving as the central focal point and authority for one or more programs, the Program Manager is the single point of contact for program execution with internal and external customers. The role requires coordinating teams and stakeholders, managing customer alignment and satisfaction, and developing and maintaining program plans, controls, budgets, estimates at completion, resource allocations, and communications. The Program Manager also supports product requirements, business development, and proposal preparation, while ensuring compliance with company policies and processes. This position requires access to ITAR- and/or EAR-controlled information. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under applicable regulations or be eligible for an export license. Some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements. Some travel is required, up to 20%.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business or an Engineering-related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
5–8 years of experience in Program Management.
Proven track record of managing multiple successful projects.
Experience managing firm fixed-price programs and developing risk management and mitigation plans.
Experience in a highly technical environment.
Deep knowledge of project management methods, tools, and processes.
Ability to interface effectively with internal teams and government and commercial customers.
Basic familiarity with the use and application of export licenses for exporting military products to foreign countries.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.
Ability to travel up to 20%.
Ability to work independently and interface with cross-functional disciplines.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical and strategic thinking, and leadership skills.
Strong work ethic, honesty, trustworthiness, and high integrity.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
Initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
Ownership and responsibility for current and past work products, and commitment to learning from mistakes and improving performance.
Ability to work in an office environment; sit and stand for long periods; and talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR requirements or be eligible for an export license; some positions require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

PMI or equivalent certification.
Experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Experience managing international (ex-U.S.) programs.
Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance is strongly desired.
Collaborative, inclusive approach; ability to articulate vision and mission; and willingness to take initiative and calculated risks.
Commitment to AV values: Trust & Teamwork, Customer Commitment, Ownership & Results, and Innovate & Simplify.

Responsibilities

Manage programs throughout their life cycles.
Ensure customer alignment and manage overall customer satisfaction.
Define, implement, and manage program controls and success criteria.
Identify, analyze, and manage program-level risks.
Coordinate and align project teams and their interdependencies.
Establish, communicate, and manage program priorities.
Align and inform stakeholders about program status and health.
Lead program meetings and reviews with customers and executive staff.
Develop and maintain program plans, including budgets, estimates at completion (EAC), resource allocation, and communications.
Support the creation and maintenance of product requirements.
Manage potential changes in program scope and advise leadership and customers of potential impacts.
Support the Business Development team in bidding and capturing opportunities.
Assist with or coordinate the preparation of cost and technical proposals.
Ensure adherence to company policies and processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.