Program Manager III

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionJobDescriptionSummaryThe Program Manager (PM) III is responsible for the execution of company programs for AeroVIronment’s line of Group 3 UAS and related flight services. The role is accountable for the 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 customersPosition ResponsibilitiesManagement of the program throughout the program's life-cycleEnsures customer alignment and manage overall customer satisfactionDefinition, implementation, and management of program controls and success criteriaIdentify, analyze, and manage all program-level riskEstablishes, communicates, and manages program prioritiesManages Programs using integrated, resource-loaded master schedule. Manages resources and priorities based on risk and program critical pathAligns and informs stakeholders of program status and healthLeads program meetings and program reviews with the customer and executive staffDevelop and maintain program plans including budget, Estimate at Completion (EAC), resource allocation, and communicationsSupport the creation and maintenance of product requirementsManages potential changes in program scope and advise leadership and customer of potential impactActively support the Business Development team in bidding and capturing opportunitiesAssists and/or coordinates the preparation of cost and technical proposals. Ensures adherence to Company policies and processesOther duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceMinimum 8 years of experience in Program ManagementProven track record of running multiple, successful projectsManaging firm fixed price programs and developing risk management & mitigation plansExperience in a highly technical environmentKnowledge of Project Management methods, tools and processesMust be able to interface effectively with internal teams as well as government and commercial customersBasic familiarity with use and application of export licenses for the export of military products to foreign countriesProficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Project)Some travel required (up to 25%)Other Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesPMI (or equivalent) certification is desiredExperience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems is preferredManaging of International (ex-US) programs is desiredActive Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance desiredExperience in earned value management.Ability to work independently and interface with cross-functional disciplinesA strong communicator able to articulate vision/mission to teamCommitted to AV Values (Trust & Teamwork, Customer Commitment, Ownership & Results, and Innovate & Simplify) and emulates these values in all actionsAble 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 current and past work productsPhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office environment (Constant)Required to sit and stand for long periods (Frequent); talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$101,000 - $154,000AeroVironment 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: Petaluma, CAType: Full time