Full-Time

Senior Program Manager

Aevex Aerospace

Aevex Aerospace

201-500 employees

Delivers airborne ISR solutions for government

Compensation Overview

$140k - $185k/yr

No H1B Sponsorship

United States

Hybrid

Remote with occasional travel; must be able to travel within the United States

US Citizenship Required

Category
Business & Strategy (1)
Required Skills
Risk Management
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
PowerPoint/Keynote/Slides
Requirements
  • In-depth knowledge of US Military and Federal Acquisition Regulations.
  • Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to develop and mentor/coach others.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; both written and verbal.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suites (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • Strong relationship building and negotiation skills.
  • Detail oriented with strong planning, organizational, project management, and analytical skills.
  • Excellent presentation skills.
  • Demonstrates Professionalism and Integrity at all times.
  • Must have an active Secret Department of Defense clearance; U.S. Citizenship required.
Responsibilities
  • Provide expertise exhibiting a depth of knowledge across Ground and Flight Test Operations and Subcontractor Management to include operational, engineering, maintenance, system test and technical management disciplines for which they are assigned.
  • Work directly with the customer to determine project requirements, develop a work plan, execute the work.
  • Act as the hiring manager for assigned projects/programs; supervise the screening, selection, and hiring of all candidates.
  • Ensure projects, programs, and subcontracts are executed to the highest level of safety and compliance.
  • Identify and analyze potential risks to technical performance, schedule, and cost.
  • Plan and implement risk mitigating/avoidance actions to reduce the likelihood of occurrence.
  • Monitor and track risks, adapt to changing contract circumstances to control risks.
  • Ensure all personnel meet/exceed professional standards and embrace the AEVEX culture.
  • Effectively communicate expectations and develop innovative strategies to enhance organizational capabilities that support operational priorities and requirements.
  • Advise senior executives on all programs, policies, and functions to include operations, readiness, training, recruiting, management of technical employees, and subcontractors.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with peers, subordinates, subcontractors, and customers while providing leadership and technical advice to strategic and operational business planning.
  • Facilitate alignment and achievement of strategy objectives and performance goals across the company.
  • Manage all aspects of assigned programs and subcontractors to include costs, schedules, and performance.
  • Integrate industry best practices and meet or exceed program financial goals.
  • Work with Director of Programs and the Growth Team to identify future opportunities for existing customers and support capture and solutioning for new efforts and existing programs.
  • Develop processes for identifying, assessing, monitoring and mitigating risk throughout the program life cycle.
  • Assist the Growth Team as subject matter expert to develop technical solutions during the proposal process. May be responsible for managing a team of SME's during the development of the technical volume.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships both internally and externally, and positively represents the organization.
  • Performs other duties as required.
  • Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
  • Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
  • Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Aevex Aerospace delivers comprehensive airborne intelligence solutions for the U.S. Government and DoD, focusing on ISR capabilities. The company provides engineering and technology services such as geodetics, assured positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), LiDAR mapping, and photogrammetry, along with data acquisition systems, flight operation consoles, and aircraft products and certifications. Its offerings include specialized engineering integration, flight test certification, and sustainment technology solutions to support government and prime contractors in dynamic environments. Aevex works through long-term partnerships and contracts, ensuring high-quality, reliable systems that meet stringent government requirements. The company's goal is to provide full-spectrum, mission-ready airborne intelligence solutions that enhance ISR capabilities for its government customers.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Solana Beach, California

Founded

2006

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Global defense spending accelerates as nations prioritize autonomous systems amid geopolitical tensions.
  • Brett Hush's appointment accelerates Group II-IV aircraft and loitering munitions product development timelines.
  • Nelson Erickson's M&A expertise enables consolidation of fragmented unmanned systems suppliers for scale.

What critics are saying

  • AeroVironment's P550 UAS captures Army contracts, diverting AEVEX's funded backlog within 3-9 months.
  • DoD Replicator Initiative prioritizes mass-produced cheap drones, collapsing AEVEX's premium ISR revenue.
  • Post-IPO stock volatility raises capital costs while AEVEX pays down $320M debt burden.

What makes Aevex Aerospace unique

  • Vision-based navigation enables precision strikes in GPS-denied environments without external signals.
  • Vertical integration from design through additive manufacturing reduces supply chain dependencies and iteration cycles.
  • Proven track record delivering 10,200+ autonomous systems with $503M funded backlog demonstrates execution capability.

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Benefits

401(k) Retirement Plan

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Plan

Professional Development Budget

Company News

Business Wire
Apr 9th, 2026
AEVEX Corp. announces launch of initial public offering.

AEVEX Corp. announces launch of initial public offering. SOLANA BEACH, Calif.-(BUSINESS WIRE)-AEVEX Corp. ("AEVEX"), a portfolio company of Madison Dearborn Partners' funds and a global leader in cutting-edge unmanned systems, today announced it has launched the roadshow for its proposed initial public offering of 16,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock, all of which are being offered by AEVEX. In addition, AEVEX and the selling stockholder identified in the registration statement intend to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,717,847 and 682,153 shares of Class A common stock from AEVEX and the selling stockholder, respectively, at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The initial public offering price is expected to be between $18.00 and $21.00 per share. AEVEX has applied to list its Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "AVEX." Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Securities and Jefferies are acting as joint lead bookrunning managers for the proposed offering. J.P. Morgan, RBC Capital Markets and Baird are acting as bookrunning managers. William Blair, Raymond James and Needham & Company are acting as bookrunners. Academy Securities, Capital One Securities and PNC Capital Markets LLC will serve as co-managers. The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. When available, a copy of the preliminary prospectus related to the proposed offering may be obtained for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, when available, a copy of the preliminary prospectus related to the proposed offering may be obtained from: Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, by telephone at (866) 471-2526 or by email at [email protected]; BofA Securities, Attention: Prospectus Department, NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-0001 or by email at [email protected]; and Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, by telephone at (877) 821-7388 or by email at [email protected]. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The proposed offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the proposed offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the proposed offering. About AEVEX Corp. AEVEX supports U.S. and partner nation security objectives by providing comprehensive aviation and technology-based solutions. The company offers a diverse portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), combat-proven loitering munitions, and multi-mission Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV). These capabilities complement AEVEX's strengths in custom engineering, manned and unmanned aircraft modification, sensor integration, intelligence analysis, and specialized mission systems. AEVEX is headquartered in Solana Beach, California, with additional facilities in California, Florida, Ohio, Virginia, and Alabama.

PHTCOR
Mar 25th, 2026
THE DRONE WAR DIVIDEND: defense contractor AEVEX files for US IPO.

THE DRONE WAR DIVIDEND: defense contractor AEVEX files for US IPO. Home / blog / THE DRONE WAR DIVIDEND: defense contractor AEVEX files for US IPO. The U.S. IPO market remains highly accessible, and private equity-backed AEVEX is officially stepping up to tap into massive investor enthusiasm for defense stocks. THE DEAL & FINANCIAL METRICS: * The Financial Trajectory: In 2025, AEVEX reported $432.9 million in revenue with a narrowed net loss of $16.8 million. This is a significant improvement from a $78.6 million net loss on $392.2 million in revenue the previous year. * The Backlog: Heavily reliant on sales to the U.S. government, the company's funded backlog stood at $503 million as of December 31. * The Syndicate: Goldman Sachs, BofA Securities, and Jefferies are the lead underwriters for the offering. The company will list on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "AVEX". * The Backers: Madison Dearborn Partners and CoVant Management - who purchased AEVEX from Trive Capital in 2020 - will sell shares in the offering alongside the company. THE MACRO CATALYST (Why Now?): * The Arsenal: Based in Solana Beach, California, AEVEX provides airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance offerings, with a heavy focus on precision-strike systems and loitering munitions. * The Scale: The defense prime has over 10,200 autonomous systems delivered and committed by the end of 2026. * The Geopolitical Tailwinds: Global defense spending is accelerating as countries invest in next-generation advanced systems. Analysts note that warfare is moving toward drones regardless of near-term conflicts, and the suddenness of the Middle East conflict will leave a lasting impact on markets. THE BOTTOM LINE: The IPO window for defense-related firms is currently "wide open". AEVEX perfectly illustrates the current private equity playbook for defense tech: shrinking losses, increasing revenues, and listing with the prospect of reaching near-term profitability. With an enormous U.S. defense budget and defense being viewed as "generational growth," this IPO is perfectly timed to capture the market's demand for muscular military posturing. Macro & Defense Investors: With warfare decisively shifting toward autonomous systems and loitering munitions, will AEVEX's path to profitability command a massive premium on the NYSE?

Business Wire
Mar 4th, 2026
AEVEX appoints Nelson Erickson as SVP of strategy and corporate development

AEVEX has appointed Nelson Erickson as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development. Erickson brings over 20 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate development and finance across the national security sector. In his new role, Erickson will lead AEVEX's corporate strategy and M&A efforts, working with executive leadership to identify and execute growth opportunities. He joins from Parry Labs and Capitol Meridian Partners, where he served as Operating Partner and Senior Advisor supporting defence technology investments. Previously, Erickson spent more than a decade at Mercury Systems as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development, where he led 18 acquisitions totalling approximately $1.6 billion. He holds an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School and has received the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.

Business Wire
Feb 19th, 2026
AEVEX appoints Christi Morrison as chief legal officer to support growth

AEVEX has appointed Christi Morrison as Chief Legal Officer. She will oversee the company's global legal, compliance and governance functions whilst serving as a strategic partner to the executive team and board of directors. Morrison joins from Weatherford International, where she served as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, leading corporate governance and legal operations across multiple continents. She was instrumental in guiding the company through a complex, multi-jurisdictional corporate restructuring. Throughout her career, Morrison has advised boards and executives on corporate governance, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, and enterprise risk management. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center and has been recognised as Senior Counsel of the Year by the Association of Corporate Counsel.

Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Nov 3rd, 2025
AEVEX Announces Leadership Transition; Brian Raduenz to Become Executive Chairman, Roger Wells Appointed Chief Executive Officer

AEVEX announces leadership transition; Brian Raduenz to become Executive Chairman, Roger Wells appointed Chief Executive Officer. AEVEX today announced that its current Chief Executive Officer, Brian Raduenz, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, and the Company's President, Roger Wells, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer. Wells's appointment reflects the culmination of his planned transition to CEO, which was established when he joined the Company as President in April 2025. This methodical transition plan ensures AEVEX's continued focus on disciplined execution, customer success, leadership continuity, and global growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251103080953/en/ Founded by Brian Raduenz, AEVEX has grown into a leading U.S. provider of uncrewed systems and mission solutions, continuing to invest in innovation that delivers reliable, effective technology to support customers and partners globally. As the United States advances initiatives to scale autonomous and uncrewed systems, AEVEX is committed to remaining at the forefront of delivering innovative and reliable technologies, serving as a critical enabler of the U.S. Drone Dominance strategy. Effective 31 October 2025, Raduenz will assume the Executive Chairman role and will: * Serve as a close advisor to the management team and the Board. * Support Wells's transition and onboarding as CEO to ensure continuity across programs, customers, and teams. * Support the Company's continued growth and strategic priorities, including innovation, strategic partnerships, disciplined M&A, market development, and global operating readiness. "Founding and leading AEVEX as CEO has been the honor of my life," said Brian Raduenz, incoming Executive Chairman. "I could not be more proud of the team we have built and the impact we have had on our customers' missions. As the Company has scaled and evolved, now is the perfect time to hand the reins to Roger, a fantastic executive and the ideal leader for AEVEX's next chapter. In my Executive Chairman role, I will remain actively engaged, advising on strategy, mentoring the leadership team, meeting with customers and partners, and supporting innovation, disciplined growth, and operational excellence." "I am excited for the opportunity to lead AEVEX in its next phase of growth," said Roger Wells, incoming CEO. "AEVEX has accomplished a significant amount over its history and I'm highly optimistic about the opportunities ahead of us. Brian's continued engagement as Executive Chairman ensures strong continuity for our customers and our people. Together with the leadership team, we will focus on operating excellence, innovation, and disciplined growth globally." "The Board is grateful to Brian for his outstanding leadership and is confident that Roger is the right CEO to guide AEVEX through its next chapter," said Matt Norton (Partner and Head of Technology & Government Services), Brandon Levitan (Managing Director) and Ben Spacapan (Director) as representatives of Madison Dearborn Partners. "This transition positions AEVEX to sustain momentum while advancing our international strategy and long-term objectives." About AEVEX AEVEX supports U.S. and partner nation security objectives by providing comprehensive aviation and technology-based solutions. The company offers a diverse portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), combat-proven loitering munitions, and multi-mission Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV). These capabilities complement AEVEX's strengths in custom engineering, manned and unmanned aircraft modification, sensor integration, intelligence analysis, and specialized mission systems. AEVEX is headquartered in Solana Beach, California, with additional facilities in California, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia. View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251103080953/en/