VP, Global Enterprise Applications

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description
 

The Vice President – Global Enterprise Applications will lead the strategy, delivery, and modernization of enterprise applications and technology-enabled transformation initiatives across the Organization in an Aerospace & Defense (A&D) business. This executive will ensure that applications and programs support mission-critical functions, meet compliance and security standards (e.g., ITAR, DFARS, CMMC), and align with corporate growth and operational excellence objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Enterprise Applications Leadership:

• Own the full lifecycle of enterprise applications including ERP (e.g., Oracle, SAP), PLM, MES, CRM, HRIS, and supply chain systems.
• Drive the modernization of legacy systems and ensure integrations with engineering, manufacturing, and defense logistics platforms.
• Ensure applications meet rigorous security, compliance, and audit standards relevant to the A&D industry.

Program & Portfolio Management:

• Lead a portfolio of large-scale, cross-functional programs focused on digital transformation, system upgrades, and operational optimization.
• Establish and manage a Program Management Office (PMO) with oversight of project governance, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.
• Ensure programs meet cost, schedule, and technical performance goals consistent with government contract requirements.

Transformation & Change Leadership:

• Design and execute enterprise-wide transformation initiatives including digital thread/digital twin, supply chain resiliency, and IT/OT convergence.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, Sales and Compliance teams to align IT capabilities with business priorities.
• Lead change management strategies to ensure user adoption, training, and sustained performance improvements.

Security, Compliance & Risk:

• Partner with CISO and Compliance teams to ensure applications and programs meet regulatory requirements including SOX, ITAR, CMMC, DFARS, and DoD cybersecurity frameworks.
• Support audits and reporting obligations for government programs and classified environments.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Manage relationships with strategic partners, software vendors, and system integrators.
• Serve as a key liaison with government customers, subcontractors, and internal business units for technology-related programs.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Build and lead high-performing teams of application managers, project/program leaders, and transformation specialists.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Attract and retain talent with a strong understanding of both commercial and defense-grade IT environments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in IT leadership roles within the Aerospace & Defense industry or similar high-compliance, engineering-driven sectors.
• Proven experience leading ERP (Oracle preferred) and enterprise systems implementations in a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of A&D manufacturing processes, defense contracting, and government program execution.

• Strategic IT & Business Alignment
• Aerospace & Defense Compliance Knowledge
• Program and Portfolio Leadership
• Application Lifecycle Management
• Digital Transformation Execution
• Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
• Risk & Change Management
• Cross-Functional Leadership

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.
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

The salary range for this role is:

$220,000 - $288,750

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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

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. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.