Deputy Program Manager

About the role

AeroVironment is seeking a highly motivated and technically capable Deputy Program Manager (DPM) to support a portfolio of Directed Energy (DE), precision tracking, and Counter-UAS programs within the LOCUST product line.

Key Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day execution of multiple Directed Energy and tracking system programs across development, integration, test, and fielding activities.
• Aid Program Managers with schedule management, action item tracking, risk management, cost monitoring, and program reporting.
• Cross-functional coordination between engineering, production, logistics, contracts, supply chain, quality, and field operations teams.
• Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), program plans, and customer deliverables.
• Prepare executive-level status briefings, milestone reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and customer updates.
• Support planning and execution of customer demonstrations, training exercises, government acceptance testing, and operational field events.
• Coordinate logistics, staffing, documentation, and readiness activities for test and deployment operations.
• Interface directly with Army, Navy, Air Force, and other government stakeholders during fielding, integration, and operational activities.
• Assist with range coordination, safety documentation, travel planning, asset tracking, and event execution support.
• Support operational readiness activities for deployed or forward-operating systems.
• Generate, review, and track program documentation including: Contract deliverables (CDRLs), Technical reports, Test plans and procedures, Training materials, Meeting minutes and action registers, Configuration management documentation.
• Coordinate documentation status across multiple teams to ensure timely and accurate delivery to customers.
• Support data collection, metrics reporting, and program performance tracking.
• Maintain strong working relationships with government customers, teammates, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to a high-tempo, collaborative environment focused on rapid capability delivery and mission success.
• Support proposal and capture activities for future Directed Energy and tracking opportunities as required.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• 5+ years of experience supporting defense, aerospace, military systems, or advanced technology programs.
• Experience supporting program execution, test events, training activities, or operational deployments.
• Familiarity with program management processes, schedules, documentation control, and customer reporting.
• Ability to travel in support of test events, customer demonstrations, and operational activities.
• Strong organizational, communication, and coordination skills.
• Comfortable operating in dynamic, high-visibility environments.
• Strong communication and leadership presence with both technical teams and customers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining execution discipline.
• Passion for advanced defense technologies and operational mission success.

Physical Demands

• Sit and stand for long periods;
• Talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent).

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is $80,500 - $123,000. 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

AeroVironment 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: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

About AV

AeroVironment 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 U.S. Citizenship required.