Chief Compliance Officer

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 the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act (SOX), Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), cybersecurity and the Cybersecurity Maturation Model Certification (CMMC), U.S. export regulations, anti‑corruption and privacy.

Worker Type

Regular

Position Responsibilities

• Lead the company’s compliance program to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including those specific to U.S. Department of Defense contractors. Set short‑term priorities and long‑term compliance strategy, and serve as chair of the company’s Compliance Council and 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, fostering a culture of integrity and ethical behavior.
• Conduct compliance risk assessments and coordinate corrective actions to address identified gaps, implementing improvements to enhance the program’s efficiency and effectiveness. Provide strategic support for compliance audits.
• Conduct investigations in partnership with subject matter experts and the Legal Department, manage corrective action plans, and ensure documentation and record‑keeping meet regulatory expectations.
• 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.
• Provide periodic reports on the company’s compliance program to the executive team, Board of Directors, and committees.
• Monitor and analyze new regulatory changes affecting the company, ensuring timely adaptation of internal policies and procedures.
• 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, the False Claims Act, the Truth in Negotiations Act, CMMC requirements, and export regulations such as ITAR and EAR.
• Extensive experience supporting a global compliance function, preferably at a U.S. publicly traded Department of Defense contractor, with responsibilities across diverse business operations, both in the U.S. and abroad.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the proven ability to communicate effectively with personnel at all organizational levels, including executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Capability to work autonomously while coordinating efforts with in‑house counsel, functional teams, and 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; a commutable distance to any of our locations is acceptable.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to speak and write persuasively.
• Demonstrated experience working with cross‑functional teams and maintaining internal and external trusting relationships.
• Vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision‑making style based on situational circumstances.
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals while delivering value to employees.
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and creation of a shared vision.
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.
• Focuses on teamwork and places the success of the team above one's own interests.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, and utilize hand and wrist dexterity to use a computer.
• May require travel to sites/programs and special functions.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is in an office environment, climate‑controlled through central air conditioning/heating.
• May have some exposure to the outside environment 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 that is 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/or the EAR, or be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology falls under its jurisdiction.

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 our company benefits please visit:

EEO Statement

We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and 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.