Job Overview

 The Director of Group 3 UAS Portfolio is responsible for overseeing and managing a portfolio of products of Group 3 size UAS and related subsystems. They provide strategic direction, ensure product objectives are met, and drive the successful delivery of products within the portfolio. They collaborate with cross functional teams, stakeholders, and senior management to align project goals with organizational objectives. The Director of Group 3 UAS Portfolio also monitors performance, manages resources, and mitigates risks to ensure the overall success of the portfolio. This position is responsible for expanding the customer base and offerings within the Group 3 UAS market. In coordination with business development the Director of Group 3 UAS ensures a robust pipeline of business that puts AEVEX in key positions to meet customer and market needs.

Essential Functions

• Define and execute the strategic vision and roadmap for the portfolio to align with organizational goals, customer needs, and market trends.
• Oversee the portfolio’s lifecycle, from concept development through production, deployment, and sustainment.
• Ensure portfolio success by meeting financial, technical, and operational performance targets.
• Lead cross-functional teams in delivering unmanned systems programs on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, and support functions to meet product development milestones.
• Manage portfolio performance by monitoring program risks, resolving issues, and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Serve as the primary liaison with customers, ensuring satisfaction with portfolio offerings and providing regular updates on program performance.
• Collaborate with customers to gather feedback, identify requirements, and translate them into actionable product and program plans.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and customer meetings to build relationships and showcase the portfolio.
• In coordination with business development, identify new business opportunities and partnerships to grow the portfolio, targeting both defense and commercial markets.
• In coordination with business development, lead proposal development and contract negotiations to secure new projects, funding, and strategic partnerships.
• In coordination with business development, conduct market analysis to stay ahead of trends in unmanned technologies and competitive offerings.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of program managers, engineers, and business development professionals.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven culture that promotes innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities to team members, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to support unmanned systems programs.
• Perform 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 companys policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of unmanned systems technologies, including UAVs, UUVs, UGVs, and related subsystems.
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles, product lifecycle management, and integration processes.
• Strong understanding of the regulatory landscape and compliance standards relevant to unmanned systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate customer needs and market trends into actionable plans.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the strategic function of the department.
• Develops short and long-term people and organizational strategy in alignment with AEVEX goals and direction.
• Leads with impact & influence. Establishes credibility, effectively persuades and develops others, and achieves important objectives collaboratively.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication.

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field is preferred.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certifications are a plus.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in managing unmanned systems programs or portfolios, ideally in defense, aerospace, or similar sectors.
• Experience in developing and executing strategic business plans, from early-stage concept to product deployment.
• Experience with government or military programs related to unmanned systems.
• Experience with business development, including contract management, proposal writing, and stakeholder engagement.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

• Physical Requirements
  • Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment
• Note:
  • For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

Disclaimer

AEVEX Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.