Manager, Flight Training at AeroVironment in Petaluma, CA

Manager, Flight Training Location: Petaluma, CA Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Flight Training Manager (FTM) is responsible for supervising and developing the Training program to ensure effective Training operations for the Medium Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (MUAS) Jump20 program and other special programs.  The FTM will build rapport and collaboration with the instruction team.  The Training program consists of Basic Qualification, Instructor Qualification, Refresher, and Requalification Training.  The Training cycle is variable based on demand and growth.  The FTM is primarily responsible for producing qualified, competent and agile operators/mechanics to support US government and other customers.  The Training consists of classroom academics, simulators (both in person and remote Training), and field operations.  Additionally, the FTM supports customer-facing product demonstration events for existing and potential customers as required. Position Responsibilities Cultivate a professional, cohesive team environment leading to efficient and effective Training. Execute concurrent simultaneous phases of Training in support of multiple programs with a group of 8-15 instructors. Assist the Field Operations team with the hiring of Field Service Representatives (FSRs) for each class. Refine and develop course materials and syllabus content. Develop and evaluate Training budgets. Ensure Instructors are teaching standardized procedures. Conduct after action reports on Training for continued improvement. Ensures Training area (air and ground space) is sufficient to accommodate MUAS Operator Training Course. Works closely with product line management to review flight test and customer feedback for the express purpose of identifying preventative and corrective actions that will lead to a better-trained Operator/Mechanic. Exercises supervision in terms of costs, methods, and staffing; mentors and provides guidance to staff. Regularly interacts with senior management or executive levels on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent years of experience in Training. 5+ years of technical adult learning and education program experience. 5+ years of personnel management experience. Past experience in manned and/or unmanned aviation in either fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft as an Operator, Pilot, Flight Engineer or Mechanic. Broad knowledge of learning techniques. Proven experience of delivering high-quality learning experiences. Proven ability to effectively manage, lead and motivate a team. Project management and customer service skills to manage multiple priorities in a complex challenging environment. Demonstrated intermediate to advanced computer skills and proficiency with office software, productivity tools and relevant flight software. Because of various out-of-area Training/maintenance requirements, must be available on both short and long-term assignments away from home, both CONUS and OCONUS. Clean driving record required in order to drive company vehicles Active Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain one Ability to speak, read, and write in English. Ability to travel up to 25% annually. Be able to obtain a US Passport. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Strong verbal and written communication skills. Experienced people leader and team player. Skilled at working on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of the company. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel) 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. Be able to Assess 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. This position is required to be onsite as needed (scheduled in advance).  Initially there will be flexibility in where the person holding this position lives.  At a future date to be determined (expected 6 months – 1 year), it is expected for this person to relocate to California near the training office for permanent onsite responsibilities.  Location of permanent training offices to be determined. Physical Demands Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Frequent). Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Frequent) Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Constant) Clearance Level Secret The salary range for this role is: $117,500 - $166,425 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. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. 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. Additional Locations: US Regional