Sr. Program Manager - Space Technologies

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for the management of control accounts spanning project development, scope, schedule, and budget. This role demands an in-depth understanding of program management and earned value management (EVM) methodologies, as well as leadership and cross-functional collaboration across diverse project teams.

On any given day, the selected candidate may be asked to perform the following:

• Manage scope, schedule, and budget for assigned control accounts

• Negotiate scope of work, documenting outcomes in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Dictionary and Work Authorization Document (WAD)

• Negotiate schedules and lump-sum budgets for control accounts, updating the WAD as needed

• Subdivide control account work and budgets into targeted work packages for optimal division and management

• Work with program scheduler to prepare and maintain resource-loaded schedules using logical networks of activities required to achieve objectives

• Ensure resources planned do not exceed work package budgets and identify earned value measurement techniques for activities

• Document time-phased, resource-loaded scheduled activities, and earned value measurement approaches as the performance measurement baseline

• Provide weekly insight into remaining durations and resource requirements for ongoing and future work packages

• Conduct weekly reviews of plans and accomplishments, including progress, variance identification and analysis, and estimate-to-complete assessments

• Negotiate and monitor significant variance thresholds for control accounts; prepare variance analysis reports as required

• Develop, implement, and manage corrective actions at the activity level while maintaining baseline integrity

• Propose and submit baseline changes for scope, schedule, or budget per change control policy

• Professional Expectations:

• Use in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge to solve complex problems and lead steps within broader projects, with accountability for ongoing activities and objectives

• Assess unusual circumstances and employ sophisticated analytical and problem-solving techniques

• Enhance relationships with senior internal/external stakeholders, adapting communication styles to various audiences

• Act as a resource for colleagues and provide guidance in the discipline as required

• Work independently on critical points, using sound judgment and adapting existing approaches as necessary

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, project management, or related field

• Minimum of 10 years' program management experience, with direct responsibility for scope, schedule, and budget management (control accounts or similar)

• Expert level Earned Value Management (EVM) experience on DoD or DoE contracts

• Experience in multidisciplinary environments and the ability to lead initiatives to completion

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, business, project management, or related field

• Strong technical writing and documentation skills (requirements, reports, etc.)

• Proficiency in building and maintaining collaborative relationships to resolve complex issues

• Ability to work independently and with teams, adapting quickly to shifting priorities

• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development

• Strong customer focus and problem-solving attitude

• Previous experience as a CAM or Program Control Analyst on a large DOD contract

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts and situations to diverse audiences

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills

Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements
U.S. Citizen required

Clearance Level

No Clearance

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: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com 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.