Lead Program Manager

About this role

Worker Type

Regular Job Description

Summary The Lead Program Manager will be both a strong individual contributor and project team lead for the Learning and Active Perception (LEAP) group in AV’s MacCready Works division, overseeing the development of a variety of innovative computer vision / perception and related analytics for defense and commercial applications. The PM is responsible for the complete program lifecycle from proposal preparation through contract negotiations, execution, and close-out, and manages all activities necessary to meet requirements, goals, and objectives. PMs work with cross-functional teams to manage the execution of projects including staffing, budget/cost, schedule, technical progress, and risks, while serving as primary point of contact for program activities and status to both internal and external customers.

Position Responsibilities Manages multiple projects / programs throughout their complete lifecycle Works with customers to gather requirements and define success criteria; ensures customer alignment and manages overall customer satisfaction Establishes, communicates, and manages program priorities Develops and maintains program plans including budget / estimate at completion (EAC), spend plans, resource allocation, and communications Defines, implements, and manages program controls; identifies and manages risk Coordinates with other PMs to align project teams and their inter-dependencies Aligns and informs stakeholders of program status and health Leads project meetings and program reviews with customers and technical teams Manages potential changes in program scope and advises leadership and customer of potential impacts Actively supports growth of the program, including bidding and capturing new opportunities Assists and/or coordinates the preparation of cost and technical proposals Ensures adherence to company policies and processes Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business, or related field required; equivalent of education, training, and/or experience will be considered. Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience in program management; experience with government contracts (specifically DoD/DoW programs) and/or software projects is a plus Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex systems Proven track record of running multiple, successful projects Experience managing CPFF, T&M, and FFP technical development programs Experience developing risk management & mitigation plans Experience in a highly technical and dynamic environment Knowledge of project management methods, tools, and processes Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), experience with MS Project is a plus

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Basic familiarity with contracts, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and other legal or contractual documents; experience with export/import licenses for EAR / ITAR covered products and technologies is a plus Must be able to interface effectively with internal teams, organizational leadership, and government and/or commercial customers; prior experience working with DoW and Intelligence Community (IC) organizations on advanced technology, research, or AI/ML initiatives is a plus Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives; takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products Must be a team player and exhibit leadership qualities; focuses on collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company Excellent verbal and written communication skills

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)

Special Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required, per ITAR definition Ability to obtain at minimum a Secret level DoD security clearance; active clearance is a plus Willingness to travel (Occasionally / Up to 25%)

Clearance Level

No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $116,500 - $177,500 AeroVironment 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

U.S. Citizenship required