Lead Project Manager

Worker Type Regular Job Description The Lead Project Manager serves as the interface between the Program Manager, Engineering Leads, and/or Engineering discipline/department managers to coordinate staffing requirements and ensure proper skill mix to support program activities. One leads multi-disciplined technical projects and manage daily activities of cross-functional teams toward the successful execution of assigned projects. The Lead Project Manager will effectively articulate concepts and ideas from technical staff to program staff and possesses good interpersonal skills with an ability to work well with others across disciplines. Duties and Responsibilities: Create and update Project Management Plans to track project progress and cost Conduct weekly project team meetings to share and gather project information and status Track project labor and non-labor costs Track project material Work with resource managers to plan and manage project resources Coordinate the efforts of 3rd party partners and vendors to align goals and schedules Identify and manage project risks Remove obstacles Manage project scope, schedule or cost changes Produce monthly customer status reports Participate in customer meetings or events as required Build a good working relationship with the customer and prime Participate in the Proposal Response process by building project plans and associated cost breakout Mentor junior PMs Identify and implement process improvements that improve the quality and/or efficiency of the Project Management Organization Performs other related duties as assigned by management. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Minimum 5 years' experience with Bachelor's degree; or at least 3 years' experience with a Master's degree Experienced in advanced Project Management concepts and interfacing directly with customers Experienced managing projects that also use outside resources; i.e. contract manufacturers, design houses, etc. Experienced developing and managing projects in a fast-paced deadline driven environment Experienced in developing risk management and mitigation plans Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies: Experience managing projects supporting DoD, DARPA, and other Government agencies desired Experience taking projects from development into production is preferred Experience using principles from the PMBOK is preferred Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills and able to clearly communicate with a diversified audience Demonstrates familiarity with engineering development processes and operations qualification processes. Demonstrates skill and competency in making decisions that have an impact on program costs and schedule Effectively manages multiple efforts simultaneously and give direction to the program team 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 Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others and the company Demonstrates effective organizational, problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills. Exhibits teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests Physical Demands: Ability to work in an office 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 Level Top Secret The salary range for this role is: $101,000 - $154,000 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 : 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. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.