Vice President of Cybersecurity & Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe “Vice President of Cybersecurity & Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)” is a senior executive responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining AV’s enterprise vision, strategy, and cybersecurity program to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organization’s information assets and technology resources.The CISO provides strategic leadership for the organization’s cybersecurity function in support of both classified and unclassified defense programs. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity requirements, advancing the organization’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) posture, implementing and maintaining alignment with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) frameworks, and ensuring adherence to applicable federal laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. Additionally, the CISO will develop and execute cybersecurity strategies that support AV’s accelerated growth, acquisition, and integration initiatives.Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the CISO serves as the principal advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors on all matters related to cybersecurity, information security governance, cyber risk management, and the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), classified national security information, and other sensitive organizational assets.Position ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & GovernanceDevelop and implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with business objectives and national security requirementsEstablish and maintain information security governance framework, policies, standards, and proceduresServe as primary liaison with government customers, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), and other regulatory bodiesProvide regular briefings to the Board of Directors, CEO, and executive leadership on security posture, risks, and initiativesLead enterprise risk management activities related to cybersecurity and information protectionOversee cybersecurity budget planning, resource allocation, and investment prioritizationCompliance & Regulatory ManagementEnsure organizational compliance with NIST SP 800-171, CMMC 2.0, DFARS, ITAR, and other applicable regulationsLead and maintain Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) readiness and certification effortsManage System Security Plan (SSP) development, Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), and continuous monitoring programsOversee NIST 800-53 control implementation for classified systems and Risk Management Framework (RMF) authorization processesCoordinate with Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Cybersecurity Program requirementsDevelop and execute insider threat detection and prevention programsLead international cybersecurity compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to UK MoD DEFCON 658 / Def Stan 05-138, Cyber Essentials Plus, UK/EU GDPR, and applicable international data privacy and sovereignty regulations.Establish cross-border data transfer controls and security architectures supporting NATO, AUKUS, and Five Eyes allied defense initiatives.Technical Security OperationsDirect enterprise security operations including Security Operations Center (SOC), incident response, and threat intelligenceOversee implementation and management of security technologies including SIEM, EDR, DLP, IAM, and encryption solutionsEnsure secure system development lifecycle practices and DevSecOps integrationManage vulnerability management, penetration testing, and security assessment programsDirect cloud security architecture and controls for classified and unclassified environmentsOversee identity and access management programs including privileged access managementOversee cybersecurity governance for Special Access Programs (SAP/SAR), SCIF network operations, COMSEC, and TEMPEST compliance in coordination with Government Security/OPSEC teams.Incident Response & Business ContinuityLead cyber incident response planning, coordination, and executionEnsure timely reporting of cyber incidents to DoD, FBI, and other required agencies per DFARS 252.204-7012Coordinate with legal, CIO along with executive teams during security incidentsOversee business continuity and disaster recovery planning for critical security systemsManage relationships with external incident response partners and forensic specialistsThird-Party & Supply Chain SecurityEstablish and enforce third-party risk management and vendor security assessment programsOversee supply chain security controls and acquisition security requirementsEnsure subcontractor cybersecurity compliance flows down through contractsManage security requirements for cloud service providers and managed service providersOrganization LeadershipBuild, lead, and mentor high-performing information security and cybersecurity teamsEstablish organizational structure spanning cybersecurity operations, governance/risk/compliance, security architecture, and program securityFoster culture of security awareness and accountability throughout the organizationImplement and maintain security education, training, and awareness programs for all personnelDevelop succession planning and talent development strategies for security organizationBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)EducationBachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Security, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related technical field requiredMaster's degree in related fields is strongly preferredExperienceMinimum 15 years of progressive experience in information security, with at least 10 years in senior leadership rolesExtensive experience in defense contracting environment with classified programsProven track record implementing and maintaining DoD cybersecurity compliance programs (NIST 800-171, CMMC, RMF)Demonstrated experience managing enterprise-wide security programs in complex, multi-site organizationsExperience leading organizations through CMMC certification and FedRAMP authorization processesStrong background in both physical and cyber security operationsSecurity ClearanceActive Top Secret/SCI security clearance requiredEligibility for Special Access Programs (SAP) preferredCertifications (Required)CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)One or more of the following: CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)Certifications (Preferred)GSLC (GIAC Security Leadership Certification)CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)CGEIT (Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT)CAP (Certified Authorization Professional)CMMC-AB Certified Professional or Provisional AssessorTechnical Knowledge & SkillsDeep understanding of NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171Expertise in CMMC 2.0 requirements and assessment processesKnowledge of DoD Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (SRG) and FedRAMPUnderstanding of DFARS, FAR, ITAR, EAR, and related defense contracting regulationsProficiency with security technologies: SIEM, EDR/XDR, IAM, PAM, DLP, CASB, firewall/IDS/IPSUnderstanding of secure software development practices and DevSecOps methodologiesKnowledge of zero trust architecture principles and implementationFamiliarity with classified network operations and cross-domain solutionsLeadership CompetenciesStrategic thinking with ability to translate security requirements into business enablementExecutive presence with proven ability to communicate complex security concepts to technical and non-technical audiencesStrong risk management and decision-making capabilities under pressureProven ability to influence and build consensus across organizational boundariesExperience managing and developing diverse, geographically distributed teamsBudget management and financial acumenPhysical DemandsAbility 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)Working ConditionsPosition may require up to 25% travel to company facilities, customer sites, and industry eventsOccasional after-hours availability for incident response and maintenance windowsWork in both office environments and Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs)May require access to classified information and restricted areasSpecial Requirements U.S. Citizenship Required.Clearance LevelTS/SCIThe salary range for this role is:$245,500 - $393,000AeroVironment 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: .We also encourage you to review our company website at 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.ITARU.S. Citizenship requiredSummaryLocation: Simi Valley, CA; Germantown, MDType: Full time