Program Manager, Sr.

Position Overview

Senior Program Manager (PM) oversees the execution of complex programs or multiple related programs for Aero Vironment’s line of Group 3 UAS and related flight services. The role is accountable for cost, schedule, scope, and technical performance. It manages the program life‑cycle, all activities necessary to meet program development requirements and business objectives, and mentors other Program Managers. The Senior PM serves as the central focal point and authority for program execution, providing a single point of contact for program activities to both internal and external customers.

Position Responsibilities

• Working with Product Line Managers (PLMs), providing leadership in the development of program planning, top‑down requirements definition, and cost/schedule/scope estimating for complex programs.
• Working with Functional Leads, providing leadership for bottom‑up cost/schedule/scope estimation, resource planning and IMS development for complex programs.
• Ensuring customer alignment and managing internal and external overall customer satisfaction.
• Defining, implementing, and managing program controls and success criteria.
• Identifying, analyzing, and managing all program‑level risk.
• Monitoring data across multiple programs, establishing correlation, and publishing data to support improvements in product development and customer relations.
• Establishing, communicating, and managing program priorities.
• Managing programs using an integrated, resource‑loaded master schedule; allocating resources and priorities based on risk and the program critical path.
• Leading program meetings and program reviews with the customer and executive staff.
• Developing and maintaining program plans including budget, Estimate at Completion (EAC), resource allocation, and communications.
• Leading and supporting the creation and maintenance of product requirements.
• Managing potential changes in program scope and advising leadership and customers of potential impacts.
• Determining methods and procedures for new assignments and coordinating activities of other personnel.
• Actively supporting the Business Development team in bidding and capturing opportunities.
• Overseeing the preparation of cost and technical proposals.
• Ensuring program execution adheres to company policies and processes.
• Leading the Project Manager to produce relevant Program reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum 12 years of experience in Program Management or related fields.
• Experience leading teams on advanced technical development programs and/or technical systems‑of‑systems development programs.
• Proven track record of leading multiple, concurrent programs.
• Experience managing firm fixed price, T&M, and/or CPFF programs and developing risk management & mitigation plans.
• Deep 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Strong communication skills, able to articulate vision and mission to team.
• Strong verbal and written skills; analytical and strategic thinking ability; leadership skills; very strong work ethic and high integrity.
• Domestic and international travel required (up to 30%).
• Must be able to commute to customer location (Patuxent River, MD) at least once per week.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• PMI (or equivalent) certification preferred.
• Experience with Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems strongly desired.
• Experience with flight services and/or contractor‑owned, contractor‑operated (COCO) programs.
• Experience working with U.S. Government customers and programs desired.
• Experience managing International (ex‑US) programs desired.
• Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance strongly desired.
• Experience in earned value management.
• Interface…