Manager, Field Operations

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Field Operations Manager plans, coordinates and conducts Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUAS), Tactical Missile System (TMS) and Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) training, field demonstrations, and customer service visits (CSV) both domestic and internationally.Position ResponsibilitiesManages staff scheduling, tracking of fielded assets, proposal writing, budget management and team developmentCoordinates and works closely with multiple customers on training, demonstrations, and customer service visits, as well as various other operational requests worldwideInteracts with the Airworthiness & Safety authorities as required to ensure airworthiness and safety standards are implementedIdentifies design and operational deficiencies and recommends improvements to Product Line ManagementCollaborates with Program Managers, Engineers, Business Development and Product Line Management to ensure Field Operations involvement during all phases of planning, development, and fieldingDevelops plans and policies, monitors operations, reports to and advises leadership team on all matters pertaining to field training and field demonstration eventsDevelops rotation schedules for deployments and training and ensures that contract personnel number requirements are metAssists in development of operator manuals, checklists, FSR certification and currency programs as well as other internal and external training tools as requiredAble to plan and execute a dynamic schedule and solve rigorous and last-minute customer demandsCoordinates with Trade Compliance on international training and demonstrations to ensure complianceBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor's degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Engineering or Management required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience8 + years experience in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Tactical Missile Systems operational use and training for commercial and military customers, including recent operational experience with SUAS, TMS or UGV products3+ years of demonstrated experience managing a team3+ years of formal instructor experienceMilitary leadership experience preferred: Special Operations Forces, Infantry, Unmanned Aircraft Operations or maintenance background highly preferredOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesStrong communication, active listening, judgement, decision-making, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and presentation skillsUses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstancesAssesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunityInspires, motivates and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employeesBrings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision; ensures that individuals and teams are working in a manner consistent with organizational valuesChampions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation, while helping others deal with the effects of changeDemonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationshipsAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesFocuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsRequired to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Somewhat Frequent)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$106,500 - $162,500AeroVironment 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 is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.SummaryLocation: Huntsville, ALType: Full time