Lead Program Manager

Worker Type Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Lead Program Manager (PM) is responsible for the execution of company programs including cost, schedule, and technical performance. The PM oversees program life-cycle and manages all activities necessary to meet business goals and objectives. Acting as the central focal point and authority for one or more Programs' execution, the PM provides a single point of contact for program activities to both internal and external customers

Position Responsibilities

• Management of the program throughout the program's life-cycle. Ensures customer alignment and manage overall customer satisfaction
• Definition, implementation, and management of program controls and success criteria. Identifies, analyzes, and manages all program-level risk
• Coordinates and aligns project teams and their inter-dependencies. Establishes, communicates, and manages program priorities
• Aligns and informs stakeholders of program's status and health. Leads program meetings and program reviews with the customer and executive staff
• Develops and maintains program plans including budget, Estimate at Completion (EAC), resource allocation, and communications
• Supports the creation and maintenance of product requirements
• Manages potential changes in program scope and advise leadership and customer of potential impact
• Actively supports the Business Development team in bidding and capturing 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 Business or Engineering related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum 8 – 12 years of experience in Program Management
• Proven track record of running multiple, successful projects
• Experienced managing firm fixed price programs and developing risk management & mitigation plans
• Experienced in a highly technical environment
• Deep knowledge of Project Management methods, tools and processes
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and MS Project)
• Some travel required (up to 20%)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• PMI (or equivalent) certification is preferred
• Experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems is desired
• Experience managing International (ex-US) programs is desired
• Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance strongly desired
• Other competencies: Strong verbal and written skills; analytical and strategic thinking ability; leadership skills; very strong work ethic as well as honesty, trustworthiness and high integrity
• Interfaces effectively with internal teams as well as government and commercial customers
• Works well independently and interface with cross-functional disciplines
• Is a strong communicator who effectively articulates vision/mission to team
• Demonstrates familiarity with use and application of export licenses for the export of military products to foreign countries
• Courageous and a risk taker. A mover and shaker yet collaborative and inclusive of a team approach to results
• Committed to AV Values (Trust & Teamwork, Customer Commitment, Ownership & Results, and Innovate & Simplify) and emulates these values in all actions
• 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
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

• Required to sit and stand for long periods (Frequent); talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen required.

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:

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.

ITAR