Program Manager - Material Processing

AeroVironment•Bath Township, OH

6d•$106,500 - $181,000•Onsite

About The Position

AeroVironment’s Advanced Research and Development Division is seeking a technical program manager to lead the development, advancement, and transition of technologies supporting the Air Force and the broader Department of War. The work focuses on materials such as ceramics, composites, polymers, and metals, including their processing, manufacturing, and testing. The program manager plans and executes programs for ARD customers and collaborates with team members, leadership, customers, project managers, and other stakeholders to review requirements, plans, and project costs across multiple disciplines. The role combines project management and technical leadership to meet program objectives and customer requirements. The manager is responsible for communicating effectively and ensuring projects achieve their goals and quality standards. This is an on-site position at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, with domestic travel of up to 10%. It follows a standard 5/40 work schedule. U.S. citizenship is required, and the candidate must be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Requirements

Master’s degree and at least 6 years of experience in material science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field, with an emphasis on polymers, formulations, ceramics, metals, and composites.
At least 3 years of project management experience, including experience with early-stage development efforts for defense applications.
Familiarity with at least one of the following: refractory materials, ceramics, ceramic matrix composites, additive manufacturing, extreme materials, or processing of these materials.
Familiarity with research, development, testing, and evaluation in the aerospace and defense industries.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
Ability to qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR requirements or be approved for an export license, as applicable.
Willingness to work on government contracts.
Ability to work on site at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, and travel to domestic U.S. sites up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree in material science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field, with an emphasis on polymers, formulations, ceramics, metals, and composites.
Project management certification such as PMP, Agile, or another recognized certification.
Direct experience supporting the government in developing and transitioning technologies within the defense ecosystem.
Familiarity with technology, manufacturing, and integration readiness levels.
Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties across disciplines including ceramics, polymers, testing, and metals.
Ability to inspire, motivate, and empower teams and individuals to deliver organizational goals while providing value to employees.
Willingness to share ideas and experiences, solicit feedback, and ask relevant questions.

Responsibilities

Lead an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to achieve program goals and ensure projects meet requirements and timelines.
Plan, execute, monitor, and control projects in collaboration with team members, leadership, customers, project managers, and other stakeholders.
Manage resources, budgets, costs, time, quality, risks, and other activities across multiple projects.
Communicate financial projections, technical milestones, and project plans to customers, leadership, and stakeholders in accordance with contract requirements.
Serve as a key resource for customers, the technical team, project managers, and leadership; support quality execution, risk management, and employee mentorship.
Support company capture and growth opportunities by managing, writing, and contributing to proposals responding to topics and solicitations.
Ensure projects are completed within scope, on time, and within budget.
Perform other duties as assigned.