Sr. Director, Operations

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.

If you thrive on a culture of relentless problem-solving and invention, and want to work for a global front-runner where you tackle real-world challenges, then AeroVironment is the place for you.

Come join our group of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. You can be a part of the team that developed these firsts: a controlled human- powered aircraft, the modern consumer electric car, a tiny hummingbird-like drone and a helicopter that flew on Mars. We also set flight records in near- space with our solar-powered aircraft and we re-shaped the battlefield with portable, hand-held, tactical drones and loitering munitions. We have cemented our reputation around the world and in record books as unrivaled technological pioneers, including seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC.

While engineering for the future is what we do, we are ever-mindful of our strong commitment to purpose — to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. The products and solutions we provide our customers help to save lives and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Join us to help push beyond the realm of the possible with such future- defining technologies as robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to generate ever-more meaningful actionable intelligence for our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

Summary

The Sr. Director of Operations leads and manages the following core functions: Planning and Production Control, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering. The Director of Operations ensures the efficient execution of all processes associated with Operations, the build of quality products, and meeting the delivery schedule requirements for each of the assigned Business Areas. In addition, one responsible for driving Visual/Lean Factory implementation, MRP Optimization and Metrics-Based Performance Management throughout the factory.

Position Responsibilities

Leadership and management of all personnel within assigned business area's Operations Department

Leadership of Visual/Lean Factory, MRP Optimization and Metrics-Based Performance Management

Achievement of annual business area operating performance objectives and Key Performance Indicator metrics

Implementation of the key characteristics required to transition products to production

Integral part of key suppliers qualifying and ongoing collaborative relationships.

Coordinates inputs to and outputs from the business area leadership teams to ensure objectives are met

Translate customer requirements into state-of-the-art manufacturing strategies and processes, resulting in cost-effective processing and profitable manufacturing of company product

Ensures product quality and delivery schedule requirements are achieved for all customer deliverables of materials, components, parts, subassemblies, manufactured systems, tooling, and equipment

Ensures the development of, manufacture of, certification of and maintenance of manufacturing tooling, equipment, and procedures

Works closely with Product Line Management and Engineering leadership to develop production documentation (drawings, bills of materials, and assembly and test procedures)

Secure and maintain the necessary facilities for supporting manufacturing, for multiple sites across diverse product lines

Ensure best-in-class processes/procedures are leveraged across the organization

Lead the interaction with suppliers and partners for product quality, delivery and pricing agreements

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance or related areas is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

15+ years of relevant experience in both Manufacturing/Operations and at least 7+ years of progressive leadership roles

Experienced/trained in Lean/Six-Sigma practices

Proven experience driving the long-range strategic planning process for operations

Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Demonstrates effective leadership skills and experience in a highly technical environment

Exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills

Proficient with MS Office and other office productivity tools

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 and manufacturing 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:

$173,120 - $259,680

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: https:// www. avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at https:// 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.

AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required