Product Line Manager

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Product Line Manager designs, develops and manages activities for a specific group of products, or technologies, for AeroVironment, including, but not limited to, planning through production, release, and end of product life. This position communicates and facilitates relationships with customers, socializes roadmaps with internal teams, partners with executive and strategy teams, and works daily with Senior Product Line Management, Program Management and Engineering. May define creative, high quality, simple roadmaps for missions, products, and capabilities to achieve the company’s strategic goals.Position ResponsibilitiesHolds complete responsibility, accountability, and authority for a product lineSupports a product line through the entire lifecycle, sunrise to sunsetEstablishes Go-to Market plans for new products while effectively balancing customer and business needs when retiring older productsCollaborates with Marketing and Business Development to define product pricing, promotion, placement, and preferred featuresSupports the development of technical requirements, business requirements, and user stories which drive Product Requirements to Program Management, Engineering and OperationsSupports the prioritization and trade-offs among projects to effectively manage SUAS portfolio, achieve a balance of products, and address resource needsInterfaces with customers to understand concept of operations and problem statementsSupports fiscal year budgeting for product line R&D and sustainment activities and holds budget accountability for their respective product lineSupports market assessments in support of current and future business opportunitiesAssesses product and project risks and provide feedback risk mitigation and contingency plans developed by PMO and EngineeringSupports the new product introduction activities with engineering and operations and ensures alignment with the Go-to-Market plansReviews product line performance metrics and takes action to address issues and/or opportunitiesEnsures project and customer data is protected in accordance with ITAR, security classification guides and company proprietary information proceduresIdentifies and manages organizational and/or customer conflicts. Comprehends and improves relevant development processes, and ensure adherenceWorks closely with Senior PLM team members to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments.Supports policy and procedure development for the Product Line team consistent with AeroVironment’s corporate Quality Management SystemSupports continuous improvement and seeks opportunities to drive change through the organization in support of product development, manufacturing, cost and quality.Other duties as assigned​Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceMinimum of 8-12 years’ experience in a technical development environmentProven track record of taking ownership and driving results – is a self-starter and self-directedExperience in R&D, and product sustainment activitiesKnowledge of UAS systems and products, and a track record of managing multiple projects simultaneouslyDemonstrated computer skills and proficiency with office productivity softwareExperience managing a department or project budgetExperience with Defense products and customersExperience managing the work of othersFamiliarity with managing Profit/LossOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesLeads with rapid agility to deal with shifting priorities, demands, and timelinesDisplays strong critical thinking skills, demonstrated ability to analyze and break down problems into componentsExhibits exceptional interpersonal and communication skillsAble 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 objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyFocuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsPhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office and R&D 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)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$111,000 - $169,250AeroVironment 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. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.SummaryLocation: Simi Valley, CAType: Full time