Senior Program Manager

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Senior Program Manager – Aircraft Development

Position Summary

The Senior Program Manager (PM) oversees the execution of complex aerospace development programs, with a dedicated focus on full-lifecycle aircraft development, leading entire Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and Cross-Functional Teams (CPTs) through the design, integration, and qualification of complete air vehicle systems. This encompasses system architecture, UAV airframes, propulsion integration, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), and flight software, supported by cross-functional disciplines including systems engineering, supply chain, quality, and DFX (Design for Excellence/Manufacturability). Operating as the central authority and primary capture leader, the Senior PM drives new business acquisition with support from Business Development, acting as the single point of contact for internal and external stakeholders across the entire program life‑cycle.

Position Responsibilities

• New Business Capture & Proposal Leadership: Actively lead and drive the capture of new business opportunities and proposal efforts.
• Full-Aircraft & IPT/CPT Leadership: Direct and synchronize multi-disciplinary teams across all major subsystems—including airframe structures, propulsion, GNC, system software, and system architecture—ensuring cohesive cross-functional execution.
• Aircraft Development Program Planning: Lead end-to-end program planning, top-down requirements definition, and cost/schedule/scope estimating for complex UAS.
• Cross-Functional & Resource Management: Collaborate with Functional Leads and Product Line Managers (PLMs) to build bottom-up cost/schedule/scope estimations, resource planning, and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) tailored to aircraft manufacturing, software development, and testing constraints.
• Customer Alignment & Satisfaction: Maintain robust communication with internal stakeholders, commercial clients, and government/military customers (e.g., DoD, Navy), serving as the primary executive focal point.
• Risk & Performance Controls: Define, implement, and manage program controls, success criteria, and comprehensive risk management/mitigation plans.
• Schedule & Resource Optimization: Monitor data across multiple airframe and propulsion programs, establishing correlation and publishing insights to streamline product development. Manage resources dynamically based on critical paths and structural test milestones.
• Governance & Reviews: Lead program meetings, milestone reviews (such as CDR), and executive-level presentations. Oversee budgets, Estimates at Completion (EAC), resource allocation, and formal program plans.
• Scope & Change Control: Manage scope modifications, evaluate impacts on airframe mass fractions, volume limits, and impulse performance, and advise leadership and customers accordingly.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: Minimum 12–15 years of experience in Program Management, specifically within aerospace, defense, or complex technical systems development.
• Aircraft Development Background: Proven, hands-on experience leading full teams of IPTs and CPTs through end-to-end aircraft development (encompassing system architecture, airframe, propulsion, GNC, and flight software).
• Capture & Proposal Track Record: Demonstrated history of capturing new business and leading proposal development, frequently driving the pursuit process with support from Business Development.
• Financial & Schedule Acumen: Proven track record of managing multiple concurrent programs, including firm-fixed-price contracts and resource-loaded master schedules.
• Project Management Tools: Strong knowledge of standard project management methods, tools, processes, and Microsoft Office suite (MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Customer Interface & Export Control: Ability to interface effectively with commercial and government/military customers, alongside knowledge of export licenses for military products.
• Communication & Leadership: Exceptional verbal, written, analytical, and strategic thinking skills, with a high standard of work ethic, integrity, and team leadership.
• Travel: Some travel required (up to 30%).

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced Degree: Technical Master’s degree preferred.
• Certifications: Project Management Institute (PMI) / PMP certification strongly preferred.
• Security Clearance: Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance strongly desired.
• Earned Value Management: Experience managing programs utilizing Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles.
• Core Values & Culture: Committed to company values (Trust & Teamwork, Customer Commitment, Ownership & Results, Innovate & Simplify). Able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small, cross-functional teams share diverse

Clearance Level

No Clearance

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. U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

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:

About AV

We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

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.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Salary

The salary range for this role is: $139,000 - $236,500