Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

Summary

The Director of Program Scheduling will lead the Scheduling organization within the Autonomous Systems segment of AV. This role is responsible for establishing and enforcing standardized scheduling methodologies, ensuring seamless cost and schedule integration, and developing best scheduling practices across the segment. The Director will oversee scheduling operations, tools, and compliance, driving excellence in program execution and supporting financial and programmatic success. All program schedules will be structured in alignment with MIL-HDBK-881 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) standards to maintain compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) requirements, while ensuring readiness for Earned Value Management System (EVMS) surveillance and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) audit reviews.

Primary Success Factors

• Develops and enforces standardized scheduling methodology aligned with MIL-HDBK-881 WBS guidance and DoD program execution requirements.
• Ensures seamless cost and schedule integration supporting accurate forecasting, EVM compliance, and audit readiness.
• Builds and leads a high-performing Scheduling organization recognized for excellence, accuracy, and compliance.
• Provides executives with timely, accurate, and actionable insights into program schedule health, risks, and opportunities.
• Optimizes MS Project, Project Web App (PWA), Deltek Cobra, and Oracle Fusion Projects to improve efficiency, data integrity, and DCMA compliance.
• Establishes robust governance, quality assurance, and training to ensure adherence to WBS standards, EVMS requirements, and customer audit expectations.
• Positions the company for successful EVMS surveillance, DCMA audits, and customer program reviews.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives that reduce program risk, increase operational predictability, and enhance schedule credibility.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Scheduling organization, including oversight of staff development, workload allocation, and performance management.
• Develop, implement, and enforce standardized scheduling methodologies, processes, and tools aligned with MIL-HDBK-881 WBS, industry best practices, and contractual requirements.
• Ensure program schedules are integrated with WBS elements and cost accounts, enabling traceability for Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting.
• Partner with Finance, Program Management, and Engineering to align schedule activities with budgets, forecasts, milestones, and deliverables.
• Oversee administration and optimization of scheduling tools and systems, including:
  • Microsoft Project & Project Web App (PWA)
  • Deltek Cobra
  • Oracle Fusion Projects interface
• Drive continuous improvement in scheduling and EVM practices to maintain EVMS compliance, DCMA audit readiness, and DoD customer confidence.
• Provide executive-level reporting on schedule performance, risks, and opportunities, supporting proactive decision-making.
• Serve as the company’s scheduling authority during EVMS surveillance, DCMA audits, and government reviews, ensuring accurate and compliant program data.
• Establish training, governance, and quality assurance practices for all scheduling activities, reinforcing alignment with WBS standards, EVM guidelines, and DoD oversight requirements.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in Program Scheduling, Program Controls, or Program Finance, with at least 5-7years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise with MS Project, Project Web App (PWA), Deltek Cobra, and Oracle Fusion Projects (or similar ERP project modules).
• Strong knowledge of MIL-HDBK-881 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) standards, EVMS compliance, and DCMA audit requirements.
• Proven ability to establish and enforce standardized methodologies across complex programs.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, fast-paced defense contracting environment.
• Active [Secret/Top Secret] Security Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Hands-on experience preparing for and supporting DCMA 14-point schedule assessments.
• Proven track record of leading or supporting Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs) with government customers.
• Familiarity with DCMA surveillance processes and EVM Validation/Compliance Reviews.
• Experience developing WBS dictionaries and mapping schedules to MIL-HDBK-881-compliant structures.
• Prior leadership experience in a Defense Acquisition Program (ACAT I/II/III) environment.
• Certification in scheduling or project controls (e.g., PMI-SP, PMP, or EVMS-related certifications).
• Familiarity with U.S. Government contracting practices and FAR/DFARS environment a plus.
• Demonstrates competency work cross functionally and influence others through strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
• Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity

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)

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance

• Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) required, per ITAR definition

The salary range for this role is:

$148,891 - $211,365

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. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.