Chief Compliance Officer

Job Description The VP and Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") will lead and own AV’s overall compliance program, including the company’s ethics program and oversight of all compliance activities within the organization. The CCO will partner with compliance functions and subject matter experts across the company to provide compliance direction and support to all areas of the company. Activities will encompass compliance activities relevant to U.S. publicly traded companies and U.S. Department of Defense contractors, including, but not limited to, Sarbanes‑Oxley Act (SOX), Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), cybersecurity, the Cybersecurity Maturation Model Certification (CMMC), U.S. export regulations, anti‑corruption and privacy laws. Employment Type Regular Responsibilities Lead the company’s compliance program to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including those specifically applicable to U.S. Department of Defense Contractors. Set short‑term priorities and long‑term compliance strategy to maintain an effective program for identifying and mitigating compliance risks. Serve as chair of the company’s Compliance Council and as a member of the Enterprise Risk Committee. Provide guidance and coaching on compliance matters and best practices to business units and functional areas across the company, creating support for compliance initiatives, solving compliance‑related business issues, and ensuring consistent global compliance practices. Conduct compliance risk assessments and coordinate corrective actions to address identified gaps. Identify and implement improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the compliance program. Provide strategic support for compliance audits. Conduct investigations in partnership with subject matter experts and the Legal Department, as needed. Manage corrective action plans, ensuring timely and effective remediation of identified issues. Ensure documentation and record‑keeping practices meet regulatory expectations and requirements. Collaborate with subject matter experts to develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures on a range of compliance areas applicable to the company. Serve as the primary owner for identifying, developing, implementing and tracking all company compliance training programs, including reporting compliance training metrics as appropriate. Provide periodic reports on the company’s compliance program to the executive team and the Board of Directors and committees. Monitor and analyze new regulatory changes affecting the company, ensuring timely adaptation of new and updated internal policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. Skills Strong knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to U.S. Department of Defense Contractors, including SOX, FAR/DFARS, anti‑corruption (including FAR and foreign equivalents), False Claims Act, Truth in Negotiations Act, CMMC requirements, export regulations (ITAR and EAR). Extensive experience supporting a global compliance function, preferably at a U.S. publicly traded Department of Defense contractor, with diverse responsibilities across various aspects of business operations, both in the U.S. and abroad. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the proven ability to communicate and interact effectively with personnel at all levels, including executive leadership and the Board of Directors. Capability to work autonomously while coordinating efforts with in‑house counsel, functional teams, and company leadership. Proven ability to develop and execute complex strategies that align policy priorities with business objectives. Demonstrated ability to cultivate trusted relationships with regulators and compliance professionals and senior leaders within the organization. Superior organizational skills and attention to detail. Basic Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4‑year college or university; Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree preferred. Experience: 20 years of compliance, legal, or regulatory experience in the U.S. defense industry, including demonstrated leadership and team management experience. Ability to travel to company offices across the U.S. and internationally to support compliance activities. Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required. Preferred locations are Simi Valley, CA or Washington, DC; reasonable commutable distance to any other location considered. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, with persuasive communication. Experience working with cross‑functional teams; ability to build and maintain trusting relationships. Strategic vision and adaptability to decision‑making under changing circumstances. Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals while adding value for employees. Brings organizational values to life through personality, uniqueness, and shared vision. Champions change and promotes a culture of rapid adaptation while supporting others during transitions. Owns and is responsible for assigned tasks. Committed to learning from mistakes and driving continuous improvement. Focuses on teamwork and prioritizes the success of the team. Physical Demands Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), and bend; requires hand and wrist dexterity for computer use. May require travel to sites and special functions. Environmental Conditions Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating. May have some exposure to outside environments while traveling. Special Requirements U.S. Citizen required. Clearance Level TS/SCI Salary Range $245,500 - $361,200 ITAR Requirement This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and the EAR, or be approved for an export license. Current U.S. Citizenship is required. Benefits AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about benefits, visit EEO Statement AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity 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. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. #J-18808-Ljbffr