Program Manager, Sr.

About the Role

The Sr. Program Manager (PM) oversees the execution of complex programs or multiple related programs, including cost, schedule, and scope/technical performance. The Senior PM manages the program life-cycle, all activities necessary to meet program development requirements and business objectives, and acts as a mentor to other Program Managers. Acting as the central focal point and authority for program execution, the Senior PM provides a single point of contact for program activities to both internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Work with Product Line Managers (PLMs) to provide PM leadership in the development of program planning, top-down requirements definition, and cost/schedule/scope estimating for complex programs.
• Work with Functional Leads to provide PM leadership for bottom-up cost/schedule/scope estimation, resource planning, and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) development for complex programs.
• Accountable for all contractual deliverables (including SOW capabilities, CDRLs, etc.) within approved funded levels and defined period of performance.
• Accountable to the Business Area on program performance metrics and execution profit margin.
• Ensure customer alignment and manage internal and external overall customer satisfaction.
• Define, implement, and manage program controls and success criteria.
• Identify, analyze, and manage all program-level risk.
• Monitor data across multiple programs, establish correlations, and publish data to support improvements in product development and customer relations.
• Establish, communicate, and manage program priorities.
• Manage programs using an integrated, resource-loaded master schedule; manage resources and priorities based on risk and program critical path.
• Lead program meetings and program reviews with customers and executive staff.
• Develop and maintain program plans including budget, Estimate at Completion (EAC), resource allocation, and communications.
• Lead and support the creation and maintenance of product requirements.
• Manage potential changes in program scope and advise leadership and customers of potential impact.
• Actively support the Business Development team in bidding and capturing opportunities.
• Oversee the preparation of cost and technical proposals.
• Ensure program execution adheres to Company policies and processes.
• Lead Project Managers to produce relevant program reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering-related field is required, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum 12–15 years of experience in Program Management.
• Experience leading teams on advanced technical development programs and/or technical systems-of-systems development programs.
• Experience managing CRAD development programs under an OTA or FAR15 contract highly desirable.
• Proven track record of leading multiple, concurrent programs.
• Experienced managing firm fixed-price programs and developing risk management & mitigation plans.
• Strong knowledge of Project Management methods, tools, and processes.
• Ability to interface effectively with internal teams as well as government and commercial customers.
• Knowledge of use and application of export licenses for the export of military products to foreign countries.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; analytical and strategic thinking ability; leadership skills; strong work ethic, honesty, trustworthiness, and high integrity.
• Some travel required (up to 20%).

Qualifications

• Technical Master's degree preferred.
• PMI (or equivalent) certification is preferred.
• Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance strongly desired.
• Experience managing to Earned Value strongly desired.
• Courageous and a risk-taker; a mover and shaker yet collaborative and inclusive of a team approach to results.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel.
• Committed to AV Values (Trust & Teamwork, Customer Commitment, Ownership & Results, and Innovate & Simplify) and emulates these values in all actions.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.

Physical Demands

• Ability 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).

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.
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.
• Secret clearance level or ability to obtain one is required.
• This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or be a person approved for an export license by the governing agency.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $111,000 – $169,250. 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401K with company matching.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Paid holiday shutdown.

About the Company

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.