Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

Summary

At AeroVironment, our strength is in how we efficiently deliver leading-edge products and support to customers, and we’re proud to set the standard for success in our industry. To help us continue growing, we’re seeking an experienced director of operations to join a highly skilled team. The ideal candidate will have senior management experience in a dynamic setting. The role requires outstanding organizational, communication, and leadership skills and an ability to develop innovative solutions that push boundaries. The director of operations will work closely with executives to strategize and develop long-term plans that usher in new levels of productivity, while meeting contractual and other regulatory requirements and success for the company.

 

Objectives of this role

Collaborate with senior managers in the development of performance goals and long-term operational plansMaximize efficiency and productivity through extensive process analysis and interdepartmental collaborationSet strategic goals for operational efficiency and increased productivityWork with project managers in the development of financial and budgetary plansWork with program managers to ensure visibility of progress and meet OTD, Quality, and Sales commitments for each program and/or contractAnalyze current operational processes and performance, recommending solutions for improvement where necessary

 

Position Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operations systems and processes to provide visibility into the goals, progress, and obstacles of key initiatives and production performanceOperational Leadership: Provide strategic direction, execution and leadership to the manufacturing, production control, and quality teams, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals and objectives for OTD and FPY. Develop and implement production schedules and plans, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency and productivity while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in manufacturing.Plan, monitor, and analyze key metrics for day-to-day operations to ensure efficient and timely completions of tasksDevise strategies and implement process improvements to maximize output and minimize cost while adhering to quality and regulatory standardsAdhere to AeroVironment company policies and standards, and ensure that the laws and regulations are being followedWork closely with People & Culture to lead the team with integrity and to establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive environmentIdentify operational risks and develop strategies to mitigate themCollaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior management, program managers, and engineering teams, to ensure operational alignment with organizational objectives. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal partners, to support operational excellence and achieve business objectives.Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor's degree in a related field.Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, preferably in the aerospace defense industry.Experience with lean manufacturing principles and Problem-Solving best practices.Experience in New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) best practicesStrong organizational skill, backed by previous professional success.Strong knowledge of aerospace defense or related manufacturing and regulatory compliance.Demonstrated experience in driving operational excellence and process improvement initiatives.Proven leadership skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop cross-functional teams.Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of making data-driven decisions.Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

 

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstancesInspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employeesBrings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared visionChampions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of changeDemonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationshipsAssesses 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)

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR.  A “U.S. person” according to their 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