Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary
The Senior Manager, Investigations & Insider Threat is responsible for leading the AV Security organization's investigative function and insider threat risk management program. This role leads AV's security investigations team, coordinating with Legal, People & Culture, Cybersecurity, and other stakeholders to ensure timely action and clear communication. This role oversees AV's Insider Threat Risk Management program, focusing on detection, assessment, and mitigation of risks posed by internal actors, while ensuring compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements.

The ideal candidate is a strategic security leader with deep investigative experience, strong analytical capabilities, and a demonstrated ability to build and mature insider threat programs in complex, technical environments.

Position Responsibilities

Investigations Leadership

Lead and manage security internal investigations, including security incidents
Establish investigative standards, protocols, and case management processes
Ensure investigations are conducted in a timely, objective, and legally defensible manner
Partner with Legal, People & Culture, Cybersecurity, and Digital Business Technologies to coordinate investigative activities
Partners with Cybersecurity and Contracts to ensure timely regulatory reporting
Prepare executive-level reports and briefings on investigative findings and trends

Insider Threat Risk Management

Develop, implement, and mature the organization's insider threat program
Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to trusted insiders, including employees, contractors, and partners
Establish monitoring, detection, and response capabilities aligned with industry frameworks (e.g., NISPOM, NIST, other U.S. Government guidance)
Integrate behavioral, technical, and security data sources to enable proactive threat identification
Lead insider threat working groups and governance forums
Ensure the timely and seamless flow of relevant information to FSOs, CPSOs, and CSSOs
Prepare and provide documentation to FSOs, CPSOs, and CSSOs in support of DCSA and USG customer assessments

Risk & Compliance

Ensure alignment with applicable regulations (e.g., 32 CFR 117, DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, and other relevant standards)
Maintain documentation, metrics, and audit readiness for government and internal reviews
Support incident response and crisis management activities as needed

Team Leadership & Development

Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing investigations and insider threat team
Provide training and awareness programs across the organization
Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and security awareness

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Security Studies, Intelligence, or related field (Master's preferred)
8 -12+ years of experience in investigations, insider threat, security, or related discipline
Demonstrated experience leading complex investigations and managing sensitive cases
Experience developing or operating an insider threat program
Strong knowledge of legal considerations in workplace investigations
Ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and professionalism
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive briefings
Ability to obtain and maintain TOP SECRET//SCI security clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain special accesses, which may require polygraph

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Experience in a cleared defense contractor or government environment
Familiarity with 32 CFR 117 (NISPOM rule), DCSA Insider Threat Program requirements, and NIST frameworks
Professional certifications such as: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)
Strategic thinking and program development
Investigative rigor and critical analysis
Sound judgment and ethical decision-making
Cross-functional collaboration
Leadership and team development

Special Requirements

U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), per ITAR definition

Location: Arlington VA; Herndon VA; Germantown, MD; Simi Valley CA; Huntsville AL; Albuquerque NM

Reports To: Director, Corporate Risk & Intelligence

Clearance: Top Secret//SCI - Required

Clearance Level

TS/SCI

The salary range for this role is:

$147,500 - $208,950

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.

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