Operational Excellence Manager

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Manager of Operational Excellence is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing the lean manufacturing strategy. They drive value stream efficiency and strategic use of resources, ensuring alignment with business goals related to output, cost, quality, and lead time. Position Responsibilities Lead and own lean manufacturing implementation across all business units using lean tools and concepts. Develop & maintain lean training tools, content, training boot camps, workshops, kaizen & project management funnels. Standardize problem solving methodology, draft accompanying training content and deployment strategy. Conduct and lead value stream mapping activities to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Own the implementation and execution of value stream tracking centers at all business units. Deploy Lean methodologies to reduce variation, waste, and non-value-added activities. Facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events and improvement workshops across departments and business units. Analyze production data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities. Establish visual and daily management systems with appropriate KPI tracking for performance management at various levels and departments. Develop cost-benefit analyses for capital projects and process changes. Develop, train and mentor supervisors, engineers, and front line teams in lean manufacturing principles. Act as a change agent, promoting a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement. Build lean maturity road maps and assess organizational readiness for transformation. Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management to align lean initiatives with business objectives. Interface with executive leadership to report lean transformation progress, ROI, and impact. Ensure compliance with applicable standards including AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, and customer-specific quality requirements. Work collaboratively with local teams & foster a continuous improvement culture within all business units. Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Minimum of 8 years of related experience in complex assembly production environments. Minimum of 3 years of successfully leading manufacturing teams within a product development environment. Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Proficiency in process simulation tools, time studies, and data analytics. Strong leadership, project management, and facilitation skills. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a demanding production environment. Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (up to 50%). Strong organizational and time management skills Proven adaptability in fast-paced, evolving environments Strategic thinker who anticipates change and fosters team alignment Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a focus on shared success Ownership-driven, continuously learning, and improvement-focused Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and manufacturing 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 No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $106,500 - $162,500 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