Sr. Program Manager, Space Technologies

Senior Technical Program ManagerAV has an immediate opening for a Senior Technical Program Manager to support laser communications programs within the Space Technologies Business Unit. AV provides a full suite of exquisite, space-qualified hardware trusted to fly in the most extreme environments space presents across LEO, MEO, GEO, and xGEO. With hundreds of systems flying in space, our customers turn to AV when a mission can't fail.

This is a full-time, on-site position in Albuquerque, NM.Position ResponsibilitiesLead multidisciplinary teams to successfully design and deliver hardware for space electronics programs.Coordinate cross-functional activities across engineering, systems, manufacturing, quality, and supply chainDevelop and manage detailed project plans, identifying critical path activities and risk mitigation strategies.Serve as the primary point of contact between the team, product lead, and external/internal stakeholders.Oversee requirements definition, system architecture, design reviews, verification, and validation processes.Ensure compliance with applicable space, aerospace, or defense standards and customer specifications.Perform project management activities in accordance with accepted project management standards in the industry (e.g., PMI, Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), ANSI, and ISO-standards).Monitor performance and progress using appropriate tools and metrics to report status to management.Facilitate clear communication across all team members, ensuring effective collaboration and timely decision-making.Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.Ensure team members' responsibilities, accountability and authority are clearly documented and understood and individuals are executing to the plan.Support resource allocation, budget tracking and identify, document and manage project risks, issues and opportunities.Manage scope, schedule, and budget for assigned control accounts, negotiate scope of work.Develop, implement, and manage corrective actions at the activity level while maintaining baseline integrity.Establish, monitor and integrate change management processes and decisions.Facilitate negotiations involving major project parameters such as deliverable definition and performance objectives (e.g., cost, schedule, quality).All other relevant duties as assignedBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)8-12 years of experience managing large-scale programs, with a proven track record in leading complex, multi-million-dollar programsDeep understanding of project management methodologies, organizational change management principles, and developing risk management & mitigation plansKnowledge of the Project Lifecycle from requirements definition, proposal preparation and negotiation and project implementation through to completionStrong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to navigate competing priorities and influence without direct authorityProficiency in Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and other program management tools (e.g., Jira, Gitlab, etc.)Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to listen, assimilate, evaluate, and summarize. Sound ability to communicate with the customer at all levelsStrong initiative in defining, proposing, implementing, and communicating schedule metrics that support informed decision-makingSome travel required (~20%)Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearancePhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office and manufacturing environmentRequired to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard (Frequent)Special RequirementsU.S. Citizen requiredThe salary range for this role is:$80,500 - $123,000AeroVironment 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.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.