Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

At AV, we design, prototype, assemble, integrate, and test cutting-edge technologies in advanced RF systems, space electronics, and directed energy solutions. Your work will have a lasting impact—extending far beyond any single program, product, or site. We are seeking an experienced Production Program Manager to lead the daily operations of one of our division’s manufacturing areas. This high-mix facility supports both early R&D prototyping and mid-volume rapid capability production.

The ideal candidate will excel in managing dynamic priorities, dispatching and expediting work in response to evolving engineering developments, shifting customer requirements, and changing production capacity. The operation encompasses full product assembly—from electrical cable fabrication through system integration and final testing on vehicles and other delivery platforms.

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

• Manage and develop a talented team of Manufacturing Engineers and technicians to support the division’s production needs.

• Lead program manufacturing and transition efforts from prototype to low-rate initial production (LRIP), to full-rate production (FRP).

• Build agile capabilities to support quick turn product development, development builds, and emergent customer needs.

• Establish short- and long-term goals for production including staff growth, equipment and work center improvements, and overall productivity.

• Create a culture of inclusivity, pride-in-work, continuous improvement, and innovation

• Understand and facilitate the adherence to customer quality requirements

• Manage activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling, and resolving engineering design and test problems found during assembly, integration and test.

• Support Operations through collaboration with cross functional teams, including Technicians, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing and Engineering, Parts Production

• Control, Business Development, Finance, and Business Capture personnel.

• Interact across all levels of the organization; efficiently and effectively communicate and implement agreed upon changes; navigate difficult situations and conversations to a productive outcome.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in manufacturing, industrial, systems, mechanical, or electrical engineering or in a related STEM field. Professional experience can be considered.

• 5 years’ experience in manufacturing project leadership, including 2 years’ experience leading or managing a team (direct or matrix).

• Knowledge of product development or manufacturing projects for electro/mechanical products with rigorous documentation requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DOE or DOD security clearance

• Cost Account Manager (CAM) experience.

• Writing or reviewing production cost estimates and capital equipment plans.

• Aerospace or defense systems Electro-Optics, RF systems, PCBA, electrical, mechanical assembly experience or experience in a similar hardware type processing facility.

• Lean Manufacturing experience and/or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certifications.

• Understanding of weld certification/process and IPC soldering standards. Experience with circuit card, harness, and system assembly.

• Understanding of typical factory OSHA requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple levels of executives and first-line management, industry peers, direct reports and internal and external customers.

• Demonstrated ability to assess and prioritize work given dynamic information

• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage and understand budgets, cost reports, quality assurance documentation, and integrated schedules.

• Proven communication and collaboration skills between development engineering and manufacturing.

• Capacity planning and resource loading schedule experience. Experience using MRP/ERP systems to manage forecast work, prototype, and production programs.

• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple levels of executives and first-line management, industry peers, direct reports and internal and external customers.

• Demonstrated ability to assess and prioritize work given dynamic information

• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage and understand budgets, cost reports, quality assurance documentation, and integrated schedules.

• Proven communication and collaboration skills between development engineering and manufacturing.

• Capacity planning and resource loading schedule experience. Experience using MRP/ERP systems to manage forecast work, prototype, and production program.

Clearance Level

 

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$107,370 - $152,250

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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

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