Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.
AeroVironment
If you thrive on a culture of relentless problem-solving and invention, and want to work for a global front-runner where you tackle real-world challenges, then AeroVironment is the place for you.
Come join our group of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. You can be a part of the team that developed these firsts: a controlled human-powered aircraft, the modern consumer electric car, a tiny hummingbird-like drone and a helicopter that flew on Mars. We also set flight records in near-space with our solar-powered aircraft and we re-shaped the battlefield with portable, hand-held, tactical drones and loitering munitions. We have cemented our reputation around the world and in record books as unrivaled technological pioneers, including seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.
While engineering for the future is what we do, we are ever-mindful of our strong commitment to purpose — to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. The products and solutions we provide our customers help to save lives and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Join us to help push beyond the realm of the possible with such future-defining technologies as robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to generate ever-more meaningful actionable intelligence for our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.
Summary
Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Director of Pricing and Cost Estimating will provide financial leadership to the executive team and segment leaders, operating as a business partner and trusted advisor. This role will have direct responsibility for all Pricing and Cost Estimating processes, policies and established compliance matters within AeroVironment Inc and all subsidiaries. Primary success factors will be delivery of on-time and properly supported cost and price estimates. Routinely demonstrated compliance systems to internal, FAR & DFAR requirements. Established best practices performed across the businesses regarding proposal cost estimating, pricing, management review and negotiations.
Position Responsibilities
Pricing Strategy Development:
Develop, refine, and execute pricing strategies that maximize profitability while considering market demand, competition, and company objectives.
Analyze market trends and competitor pricing to recommend pricing adjustments or support price-to-win assessments.
Cost Estimation:
Lead the development and maintenance of cost estimation models and methodologies including ownership and administration of the Cost Estimating System for AeroVironment Inc..
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, procurement, engineering) to gather data and insights for cost estimation.
Ensure accuracy and reliability of cost estimate using best practice methodologies.
Financial Analysis:
Conduct financial analyses to evaluate pricing scenarios, product profitability, and cost-effectiveness of various strategies.
Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior management based on financial analyses.
Profit Margin Optimization:
Identify opportunities to improve profit margins through pricing optimization, cost reduction, or process improvements.
Monitor and track margin performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
Team Leadership:
Build and lead a team of pricing analysts and cost estimators.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for team members.
System Management:
Oversee the collection, organization, and maintenance of pricing and cost data within AV’s pricing tools (Catalog, ProPricer, Cost Estimating workbooks)
Ensure data accuracy and security.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Collaborate with various departments, including sales, marketing, and operations, to align pricing and cost strategies with overall business goals.
Compliance and Risk Management:
Ensure pricing strategies and cost estimations comply with DOD FAR / DFAR industry regulations and legal requirements.
Continuously assess the adequacy of the Cost Estimating System.
Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with pricing decisions.
Continuous Improvement:
Stay updated on industry best practices, market trends, and emerging technologies related to pricing and cost estimation.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the pricing and cost estimating processes.
Product / Service Commercialization:
Lead commercialization efforts to document and establish commercial item pricing in support of AV’s business objectives.
Negotiations / Fact-Finding Support:
Participate in Contract Price negotiations.
Respond timely with fact-finding requests supporting the price / cost estimates prepared.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
Proven experience in pricing, cost estimation, or financial analysis roles, with at least 10+ years of experience.
Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools and software.
Leadership and team management experience (at least 8+ years)
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and market dynamics.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
MBA / CMA or advanced degree preferred
Demonstrates strong written and analytical skills with experience presenting financial information to executive level management.
Demonstrates competency work cross functionally and influence others through strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
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
Assesses 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
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
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.
Clearance Level
The salary range for this role is:
$165,580 - $234,465AeroVironment 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