Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from AeroVironment (AV)
Job overview
The Sr. Director, Operational Excellence at AeroVironment leads enterprise-wide operational performance initiatives to improve program execution and product delivery, acting as an architect, coach, and catalyst for operational excellence.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves designing and governing operational excellence strategies, partnering with cross-functional teams to align product and process frameworks, driving strategic transformation initiatives, building scalable operational excellence programs, mentoring leaders, and conducting audits to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
Compensation and benefits
The salary range is $165,580 to $234,465, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and paid holiday shutdown.
Experience and skills
Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, 15+ years in defense, aerospace, or regulated industries, 7-10+ years leading people, experience in operational excellence or business transformation, knowledge of phase-gated product development, and strong leadership and communication skills; advanced degree preferred.
Career development
Opportunities include leading enterprise-scale transformation efforts, establishing Centers of Excellence, and mentoring across the organization to foster continuous improvement and operational maturity.
Work environment and culture
AeroVironment values innovation, operational discipline, continuous improvement, and a culture of quick adaptation with a focus on customer needs and compliance in a regulated environment.
Company information
AeroVironment, founded in 1971, is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and tactical missile systems, known for pioneering military drones and innovative UAS technology used by U.S. and allied military services.
Team overview
The candidate will work closely with senior program, engineering, and operations leaders, as well as cross-functional business partners, to drive operational excellence across the enterprise.
Job location and travel
Based in California with an office environment; U.S. citizenship or equivalent status required due to ITAR regulations; some positions may require security clearance.
Application process
Principals only, no agencies; applicants must meet U.S. person criteria for ITAR compliance; visit company website for benefits and more information.
Unique job features
The role uniquely combines strategic leadership with hands-on coaching and operational audits in a highly regulated, defense-focused environment with significant impact on next-generation UAS and missile system development.
Company overview
AV, also known as Autonomous Vehicles Inc., is a technology company focused on developing self-driving vehicle systems and related software solutions for automotive manufacturers and mobility service providers. The company generates revenue through licensing its autonomous driving technology, providing integration services, and partnering with major automotive brands to deploy its systems in commercial fleets and consumer vehicles. Founded by a team of robotics and artificial intelligence experts, AV has played a significant role in advancing the adoption of autonomous transportation, securing key partnerships and investments from industry leaders. Its ongoing research and development efforts aim to improve safety, efficiency, and scalability of autonomous mobility solutions. Candidates should be aware of AV’s reputation for innovation, its collaborative industry approach, and its commitment to shaping the future of transportation.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight extensive leadership in operational excellence, especially in regulated industries like defense or aerospace, emphasizing your experience driving enterprise-wide performance initiatives and transformational change.
Focus on showcasing your expertise in integrated process frameworks, phase-gated product development models, and your ability to align product management with engineering and operations teams to improve execution and delivery.
Apply through multiple channels including AeroVironment's corporate careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters.
Connect with current leaders and team members in AeroVironment’s operational excellence or program management divisions on LinkedIn; use ice breakers such as commenting on recent company innovations, asking about their experience with AV’s integrated process framework, or inquiring how they drive continuous improvement in their teams.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'operational excellence,' 'enterprise transformation,' 'phase-gated development,' 'Lean Six Sigma,' 'compliance-driven environments,' and 'cross-functional leadership' to ensure it passes initial automated screenings.
Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple relevant job portals, and find LinkedIn contacts to network with, freeing up your time to focus on interview prep and strategic networking.
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