A

AeroVironment

Defense technology and unmanned aerial systems

Product Line Manager

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$111k - $169.3k
Senior, Expert
Bachelor's
Simi Valley, CA, USA
In Person
ProductProduct Management

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is required, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • A minimum of 8–12 years of experience in a technical development environment is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership, drive results, and work independently is required.
  • Experience in research and development and product sustainment activities is required.
  • Knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems and products, with a track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously, is required.
  • Computer skills and proficiency with office productivity software are required.
  • Experience managing a department or project budget is required.
  • Experience with defense products and customers is required.
  • Experience managing the work of others is required.
  • Familiarity with managing profit and loss is required.
  • Ability to work in an office and research and development environment is required.
  • Ability to sit and stand for long periods and use a computer and telephone keyboard is required.
  • Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR, or be eligible for an export license from the governing agency.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and manage activities for a specific product or technology group from planning through production, release, and end of product life.
  • Communicate and facilitate relationships with customers, socialize roadmaps with internal teams, partner with executive and strategy teams, and work daily with Senior Product Line Management, Program Management, and Engineering.
  • Hold complete responsibility, accountability, and authority for a product line.
  • Support a product line through its entire lifecycle, from start to finish.
  • Establish go-to-market plans for new products while balancing customer and business needs when retiring older products.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Business Development to define product pricing, promotion, placement, and preferred features.
  • Support development of technical requirements, business requirements, and user stories that drive product requirements for Program Management, Engineering, and Operations.
  • Support prioritization and trade-offs among projects to manage the SUAS portfolio, balance products, and address resource needs.
  • Interface with customers to understand concepts of operations and problem statements.
  • Support fiscal-year budgeting for product-line research and development and sustainment activities, and maintain budget accountability for the product line.
  • Support market assessments for current and future business opportunities.
  • Assess product and project risks and provide feedback on risk-mitigation and contingency plans developed by the PMO and Engineering.
  • Support new product introduction activities with Engineering and Operations and ensure alignment with go-to-market plans.
  • Review product-line performance metrics and take action to address issues or opportunities.
  • Ensure project and customer data is protected according to ITAR, security classification guides, and company proprietary-information procedures.
  • Identify and manage organizational or customer conflicts; understand and improve relevant development processes and ensure adherence.
  • Work with Senior Product Line Management team members to determine methods and procedures for new or special assignments.
  • Support policy and procedure development for the Product Line team consistent with the company’s Quality Management System.
  • Support continuous improvement and identify opportunities to drive organizational change in product development, manufacturing, cost, and quality.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Lead with agility in response to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
  • Apply critical thinking and analyze problems by breaking them into components.
  • Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams handle a broad variety of duties.
  • Show initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
  • Take ownership and responsibility for work products.
  • Learn from mistakes and seek to improve personal, team, and company performance.
  • Focus on teamwork and prioritize team success.

About the company

AeroVironment designs and builds defense robotic systems for air, land, and space, including small hand-launched drones, high-altitude surveillance aircraft, and the Switchblade loitering munition. Its products operate as autonomous or semi-autonomous platforms with sensors, control software, and payloads, enabling reconnaissance and, for weapons-enabled models, targeted strikes. It differentiates itself by combining a deep unmanned-aircraft heritage with a growing multi-domain defense portfolio and strategic acquisitions to broaden capabilities into space tech, counter-UAS, and directed energy. Its goal is to become a broad defense-technology provider that wins large, long-term contracts by offering integrated, autonomous systems across multiple domains.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Crystal City, Virginia

Founded

1971

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • September 9, 2026 revenue hit $480.5 million with $1.5 billion funded backlog.
  • LOCUST won a first international order over $50 million on September 8, 2026.
  • P550, Titan MS, and E-HEL bookings diversify growth beyond Raven and Switchblade.

What critics are saying

  • SCAR's March 2026 termination erased a $1.7 billion program and sparked a lawsuit.
  • Fiscal 2027 free cash flow stays negative as facility capex peaks across four states.
  • Boeing, Anduril, and cheaper drone suppliers pressure AVAV pricing and win rates.

What makes AeroVironment unique

  • LOCUST became the Army's first production high-energy laser contract on September 2, 2026.
  • BlueHalo and ESAero give AVAV space, cyber, directed energy, and UAS breadth.
  • AVAV's national manufacturing footprint and AV_Halo software stack tie systems together.

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Benefits

  • Health, Dental, & Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • 401(k) Account
  • Alternative Work Schedule
  • Educational and Tuition Assistance Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sick Leave Donation
  • Time Off
  • Travel Assistance
  • Company Sponsored Events

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

9%

1 year growth

9%

2 year growth

14%
AeroVironment, Inc.
Oct 14th, 2026
AV and Alpha Unmanned Systems announce MOU to explore JUMP 20 support in Spain.

AV and Alpha Unmanned Systems announce MOU to explore JUMP 20 support in Spain. October 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT Companies to explore local sustainment, training and technical support, with potential expansion into Europe and Latin America ARLINGTON, Va.-(BUSINESS WIRE)-Oct. 14, 2026- AeroVironment, Inc. ("AV") (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader, today announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alpha Unmanned Systems S.L. to explore collaboration supporting AV's JUMP 20 fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system (UAS), which features vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. The announcement is being made in connection with the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington. "A platform only delivers value when operators can keep it flying," said Shane Hastings, senior vice president and general manager of uncrewed systems at AV. "This agreement is about exploring how to bring training, maintenance and sustainment closer to JUMP 20 customers in Europe, beginning with opportunities in Spain." The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration on JUMP 20 fielding, sustainment, training, maintenance and in-country and in-theater support, initially focused on Spain. The collaboration may expand to other markets in Europe and Latin America. The companies will also plan to evaluate integration of Alpha's UAV subsystem products, including its GCASE Ground Control Station, GTRACK tracking system and AIS module, into the JUMP 20 platform. "This collaboration with AV is a significant step for Alpha, pairing our subsystem technologies and in-country support capabilities with the JUMP 20 platform," said Eric Freeman, CEO of Alpha Unmanned Systems. "Together, we intend to explore opportunities to strengthen local support for JUMP 20 in Spain, with the potential to support additional customers across Europe." About Alpha Unmanned Systems Alpha Unmanned Systems S.L. is a Madrid-based company that develops unmanned aircraft and related subsystems for defense and security applications. The company provides training, integration and support services. AeroVironment ("AV") (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities - built to meet the mission needs of today's warfighter and tomorrow's conflicts. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com. Safe Harbor Statement Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, plans, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, its ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; supply chain stability, competitor activities; market growth; product development and/or manufacturing challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AeroVironment, Inc. undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events. Media Contact: Deb Richardson [email protected] 667.356.1377 Investor Contact: Denise Pacioni [email protected] 805.795.4108

Yahoo Finance
Oct 14th, 2026
AeroVironment partners with Elsight to add resilient multi-network connectivity to Mayhem 10

AeroVironment (AV) and Elsight have partnered to integrate Elsight's Halo connectivity technology into AV's Mayhem 10 launched effects system. The aim is to keep communications reliable in contested environments. Halo bonds satellite, cellular and point-to-point radio links into one connection. It adapts to changing network conditions without operator intervention, reducing reliance on any single link. Austin Miller, vice president and general manager of AV's loitering munition systems business unit, said Mayhem 10's open architecture lets the company add new capabilities quickly. Integration work is underway, the companies said.

Overt Defense
Oct 9th, 2026
NIOA and AeroVironment Partner on Switchblade for Australia.

NIOA and AeroVironment Partner on Switchblade for Australia. Australia's NIOA Group and AeroVironment have entered a strategic partnership to introduce, sustain and expand AeroVironment's loitering munitions across Australia and New Zealand, the companies announced at the Land Forces exhibition in Australia. According to NIOA, the agreement "establishes a framework for cooperation across the AeroVironment portfolio, including the combat-proven Switchblade family of precision loitering munitions, and positions NIOA as AeroVironment's local partner for distribution, customer engagement, support and long-term capability development." The two firms stated the arrangement is intended to "support the introduction into service, sustainment and future growth of advanced loitering munitions capabilities across Australia and New Zealand." The partnership names NIOA as the regional point of contact for AeroVironment product distribution, customer engagement and sustainment. Both companies will "also explore opportunities to expand support and industrial capability in Australia," per the release, which pointed to a joint commitment to meet Australian Defence Force requirements and to examine local support, sustainment and future industrial capability development. The arrangement covers AeroVironment's broader portfolio including the Switchblade family of precision loitering munitions. Ben James, NIOA executive vice president for Australia and New Zealand, noted that the country's 2024 Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) plan, issued by the Australian military, called for introducing the Switchblade 300 into service with the Australian Army "by 2025," following an earlier acquisition announcement. "Combining NIOA's deep expertise in strategic munitions supply, manufacturing and support with AeroVironment's global leadership in loitering munitions and autonomous systems technology represents a significant win for both the ADF and in the integration of Australian and US industrial bases," James said. Justin McFarlin, AeroVironment vice president of international business development, said the partnership with NIOA combines "AeroVironment's combat-proven technologies with a trusted Australian defence industry partner to support customers, strengthen sovereign capability outcomes and establish the foundations for long-term growth across the region."

Man Monthly
Oct 7th, 2026
NIOA partners with AeroVironment.

NIOA partners with AeroVironment. Reading Time: 2 mins read NIOA and AeroVironment have announced a strategic partnership to support the introduction into service, sustainment and future growth of advanced loitering munitions capabilities across Australia and New Zealand. The partnership establishes a framework for cooperation across AeroVironment's portfolio, including the combat-proven Switchblade family of precision loitering munitions. It also positions NIOA as AeroVironment's local partner for distribution, customer engagement, support and long-term capability development. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting Australian Defence Force requirements while exploring opportunities for local support, sustainment and future industrial capability development. NIOA Australia and New Zealand executive vice president Ben James said the partnership combined Australian strategic munitions leadership with world-leading technology. "The Australian GWEO Plan identified the acquisition and introduction into service of Switchblade as a key objective," he said. "Combining NIOA's deep expertise in strategic munitions supply, manufacturing and support with AeroVironment's global leadership in loitering munitions and autonomous systems technology represents a significant win for both the ADF and in the integration of Australian and US industrial bases." AeroVironment vice president international business development Justin McFarlin said operational success with loitering munitions was driving demand for the capabilities around the world, including Australia. "Through our partnership with NIOA, we are combining AeroVironment's combat-proven technologies with a trusted Australian defence industry partner to support customers, strengthen sovereign capability outcomes and establish the foundations for long-term growth across the region." The companies will also explore opportunities to expand support and industrial capability in Australia as demand for autonomous systems and loitering munitions continues to grow. The partnership covers AeroVironment's broader portfolio and is intended to support the introduction into service and ongoing sustainment of its capabilities across Australia and New Zealand. NIOA will serve as the local partner for distribution and customer engagement, while the companies work towards longer-term capability development and potential industrial opportunities in Australia. The partnership comes as Australia continues to develop its Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance capability and consider the role of autonomous systems and loitering munitions within future defence requirements. NIOA is exhibiting at Land Forces 2026 at stand #4G16 from 6-8 October.

Yahoo Finance
Sep 24th, 2026
AeroVironment and 2 automation stocks gain as rising rates boost demand for labour-saving tech

AeroVironment, a defence technology company specialising in autonomous uncrewed aircraft systems and loitering munitions, is attracting attention in the robotics sector. The company generates approximately $1.4 billion from Autonomous Systems and $584 million from Space, Cyber and Directed Energy operations. With a market capitalisation of $7.9 billion, AeroVironment's drone and autonomy platforms deploy physical AI for demanding military and government missions. Recent developments include the EHEL award, LOCUST international sale, and multiple Titan contract wins. Analysts note the company has shifted from anticipated to achieved inflection, though questions remain about future cash generation as new programmes absorb capacity. The company serves both US and international markets, with $1.4 billion in US revenue and $556 million internationally.