Program Director

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Program Director is a recognized Project and Program Management leader and has successfully led complex development programs. As a recognized Project Management expert, one mentors others and defines Project Management policies and procedures as well as uses historic data to drive decisions. One defines or supports the definition of Project Management tools. Position Responsibilities Consistently uses past program/project artifacts to drive decisions Works with Master Scheduler to ensure weekly supply is aligned to customer demand. Leads in Continuous Improvement activities Creates and assesses multiple requisite monthly financial reports across a wide range of programs Explains financial trends on individual and multiple programs, anticipate problems and take appropriate action to implement corrective actions as required Defines Customer needs and how to ensure successful relationships. Manages and builds Customer trust and supports Customer needs Analyzes key customer accounts across business development to highlight trends with associated drivers, risks and opportunities to key stakeholders; Use as a basis for minimizing forecast error Defines methods to collect and organize data. Works at an organizational level to determine data requirements Works with PLM to align product transitions, obsolescence, introduction, and changes to minimize financial impact to the business Works closely with Production Control and Supply Chain to provide promised delivery times for forecast and sales orders Recommends at-risk forecast based upon BD and Finance input to support operational execution to business plan Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience A minimum of 15+ years of relevant experience Demonstrated proficiency in statistics, forecasting and forecasting methods with an understanding of their financial and operational impacts Demonstrated understanding of organization tools, processes and techniques, and is a capable mentor and developer of process Experienced in developing process for a specific Organizational need Experienced in successfully planning large, complex programs (5 or more concurrent projects) Demonstrated knowledge of metrics and giving effective presentations Demonstrated ability to accurately report critical information Experienced in providing feedback and guidance to managers of complex programs Experienced in articulating financial condition on multiple programs, anticipating problems and implementing action to resolve them Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies MS Engineering/MBA is preferred APICS training is preferred Engages well with other to teach Project Management concepts Strong communicator of financial condition and effects to company management and to customers Demonstrated strong aptitude in analysis, root causes identification, and problem solving Demonstrates competency in defending estimates with metrics Demonstrates effective communication skills: easily communicates plan, reports, ideas and concepts to cross- functional teams and management 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 Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills Focuses on 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) 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. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $126,500 - $192,750 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