Real job — pulled straight from AeroVironment’s careers page · Verified September 2, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
AeroVironment is hiring a Senior Director, Program Management — a full-time, based in Simi Valley, CA role. Apply directly on AeroVironment's careers page below.
Sr. Director, Program Management
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Time Type: Full time
Job Description
Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Senior Director, Program Management is a recognized Program and Project Management leader and has successfully led complex development programs. As a recognized Program Management expert, provides leadership direction with proposal development, contract negotiation and contract compliance, which may include assisting with plans, specifications and financial terms of various government and/or commercial contracts. Actively participates in business development initiatives. Ensures master plans and schedules are followed, developing solutions to program challenges, and directing others for successful completion of project on time and on budget. Directs people who lead cross-functional program/project teams that are focused on the design and delivery of Loitering Munition Systems (LMS). Supports peers in the definition and leading of the company’s Project/Program Management tools.
Position Responsibilities
Formulates and executes long-term master plans and schedules in the support of UAS design and development; leads in Continuous Improvement activities
Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the Program Management Office. Accountable for departmental objectives and deliverables
Typically will lead a team size of 5 to 8 Program/Project Managers
Develops, defines and executes project plans, schedules, budgets and deliverables
Identifies needed resources for projects; defines and assigns major project roles
Monitors the product/program/project from initiation through delivery, interfacing with both internal and external customers and field-based employees on technical matters, as needed.
Assigns and monitors work of project/program management staff, providing leadership, mentoring, and technical support and direction.
Consults or negotiates with clients to prepare project specifications
Prepares budgets, bids, or contracts
Leads the assessment of project feasibility by analyzing technology, resource needs, or market demand; recommends at-risk forecast based upon BD and Finance input to support operational execution to business plan
Leads the development and implementation of policies, standards, or procedures for Program Management, engineering and technical work
Reviews, recommends, or approves contracts or cost estimates
Directs recruitment, placement, and evaluation of project staff
Supports the development of other Project/Program Managers
Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum of 15+ years of relevant program management experience with at least 3 years in a people leadership role
Minimum of 8+ years in direct management of Program/Project Managers
Significant experience leading a major function or product area
Experienced successfully planning large, complex programs (5 or more concurrent projects)
Significant experience in controls planning, staffing, budgeting, managing multiple priorities and recommending and implementing change
Expert ability to interact with peers/leaders and managers across functions to identify and resolve issues
Expert ability to leverage talent across the organization and across functions to achieve predictable Program/Project results
Expert ability to utilize leadership and negotiation skills to influence outcomes both within and outside of department area
Design — Expert knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in development of technical plans, schematics, drawings, and models.
Mathematics — Expert knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
MS Engineering/MBA is preferred
Ability to clarify the functional or product strategy and long-term goals for others; implements strategy with some autonomy
Ability to use vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explores multiple potential paths, and adapts decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
Ability to inspire, motivate and empower people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
Ability to manage project outcomes by providing feedback & support in a sensitive and clear manner
Ability to bring organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision; ensuring individuals and teams are working in a manner consistent with organizational values
Ability to champion the process of change and promote a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change and leveraging change management best practices
Ability to assess the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
Has strong interpersonal and communication skills; focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
Clearance Level
The salary range for this role is:
$187,000 - $299,000AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.
ITAR Requirement:
This 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.
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.
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
About AV:
AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
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You can view the full description and apply for Senior Director, Program Management at AeroVironment on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/aerovironment-sr-director-program-management-fv21e.