Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Job Description
Summary
The Project Engineer, Principal position will play a pivotal role in leading complex projects from inception through to execution, ensuring that all phases are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. This position requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, project management methodologies, and the specific regulatory requirements that govern the aerospace sector. The Project Engineer, Principal will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain, to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs while adhering to the highest standards of safety and performance. The ideal candidate will possess excellent leadership capabilities, a proven track record in project management, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Position Responsibilities
Analyze and audit of department documents to ensure they are accurate and maintaining the confidentiality of the financial data
Write departmental policies and procedures
Oversee the department’s program(s) and/or project(s)
Maintain the privacy of financial information
Assess software applications and control procedures
Assist manager in evaluating the department’s budget
Assist manager with providing strategic planning, and requirements to execute the design, implementation, communication, and administration of the departments
Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of
Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor’s degree required (discipline/preferred discipline/related field) etc. or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Advanced degree, MBA or MS is required.
Minimum of 15 years of working experience required.
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent analytical, time management and organizational skills.
Strong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Works well with little or no supervision and exercises independent judgement on a regular basis.
Strong ability to gain cooperation of others, conducting presentations of technical information concerning specific projects or schedules.
Physical Demands
Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.
May require travel to sites/program and special functions.
Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance:
Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.
May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling.
Special Requirements
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.
Clearance Level
No Clearance
The salary range for this role is:
$147,000 - $208,425
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.