Director of Pricing

Overview

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 is a global front‑runner where you tackle real‑world challenges and collaborate to produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. The company develops technologies across robotics, sensors, software analytics, and connectivity to generate meaningful actionable intelligence for customers to proceed with certainty and succeed.

Join a team of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts drive future‑defining technologies. The organization has a history of pioneering accomplishments, including early human‑powered flight, modern electric vehicles, and advanced unmanned systems that have shaped aerospace and defense. AeroVironment is committed to purpose‑driven innovation that secures lives and contributes to a sustainable environment.

Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Director of Pricing and Cost Estimating provides financial leadership to the executive team and segment leaders, acting as a business partner and trusted advisor. This role is responsible for all pricing and cost estimating processes, policies, and compliance matters within AeroVironment Inc and subsidiaries. Key success factors include on‑time, well‑supported cost and price estimates and demonstrated compliance with internal and FAR/DFARS requirements. Best practices in proposal cost estimating, pricing, management review, and negotiations are expected across the business.

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 estimates 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 working cross‑functionally and influencing 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 make 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

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $165,580 - $234,465

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 ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be approved for an export license. A U.S. person is defined as a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AeroVironment 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 company benefits, please visit the benefits page. We also encourage you to review our company website 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. 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 Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of unmanned systems. 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 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

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