Director of Information Security

Worker Type Regular

Job Description

Company Overview

AV is a leading defense technology company delivering mission-critical solutions to government and commercial customers. We are seeking an experienced Director of Information Security to lead our cybersecurity program and ensure the protection of sensitive national security information.

Summary

The Director of Information Security will lead the organization's information security program, ensuring compliance with defense industry regulations, managing information security, and supervising a team of ~5 professionals. This role requires deep expertise in defense contractor security requirements and the ability to balance rigorous security controls with operational efficiency.

Position Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and mentor a team of information security professionals including compliance specialists, compliance managers, and/or analysts

• Develop and execute the information security strategy aligned with business objectives and threat landscape
• Collaborate with executive leadership on security risk management, investment priorities, and incident response

• Lead and write procedures on approving security exceptions, foreign travel, and deviations following established risk management frameworks

Compliance & Risk Management

• Build compliance approaches for NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and other defense industry information security requirements

• Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and standards

• Conduct information security risk assessments and manage risk treatment plans

• Oversee security audits, assessments, and government inspections

• Maintain relationships with government and third party representatives

Program Management

• Review and advise on continuous monitoring, compliance practices, and security automation priorities

• Develop security metrics and reporting for leadership and government customers
• Manage security budget and resource allocation

Business Partnership

• Serve as trusted advisor to business units on security requirements

• Facilitate security discussions with customers and partners

• Balance security requirements with mission effectiveness and operational efficiency
• Promote security awareness culture throughout the organization

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
• Master's degree preferred

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive information security experience
• Minimum 5 years in leadership role managing security teams
• Minimum 5 years working in defense contractor or government environment
• Experience managing security programs supporting classified systems and information
• Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance

Technical Knowledge

• Expert knowledge of NIST SP 800-171, CMMC 2.0, and DFARS cybersecurity requirements

• Working knowledge of NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001/27002, and CIS Controls

• Understanding of cloud security principles and FedRAMP requirements
• Familiarity with network security, endpoint protection, SIEM, and security operations technologies
• Knowledge of export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) and related IT security implications

Compliance Frameworks

• NIST SP 800-171 (Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems)

• CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) 2.0

• DFARS View phone number on aiapply.co, 7019, 7020, 7021, and related clauses

Skills

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present to executive audiences
• Risk management and decision-making under uncertainty
• Project and program management
• Budget management and financial planning
• Vendor management and contract oversight
• Ability to translate complex technical security concepts for non-technical stakeholders

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Certifications (Preferred)

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)

• CCP (CMMC Certified Professional)

• CCA (CMMC Certified Assessor)

• CAP (Certified Authorization Professional)

• Security+ or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification

Additional Experience

• Experience in aerospace, intelligence, or weapons systems environment

• FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program)

• FIPS 140-2/140-3 cryptographic module validation
• DoD Cloud Computing SRG

• NIST SP 800-37 (RMF Application) and SP 800-53

• ISO 27001 certification experience

• Security architecture design

• Software security and secure development lifecycle

• Supply chain risk management

• Export control and OPSEC experience

• Government liaison and relationship management
• Change management and organizational transformation

Physical Demands

• Ability 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)

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

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