AeroVironment, Inc. announced the appointment of Dr. Robert (Rob) Smith as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 13, 2026. In this role, Dr. Smith, age 53, will oversee the Company?s Autonomous Systems (AxS) and Space, Cyber and Directed Energy (SCDE) business units, as well as the Company?s global operations and manufacturing footprint. His appointment reflects AV?s continued focus on scaling manufacturing to meet rising customer demand, strengthening operational execution and enhancing capabilities in a dynamic global defense environment.
Dr. Smith will report to Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Smith joins AV from Raytheon, where he most recently served as Vice President, Radio Frequency Solutions. At Raytheon, Dr. Smith oversaw the P&L for a multi-billion-dollar radar and electronic warfare business.
Previously, he was Vice President of Mission Suites, responsible for leading the development and delivery of integrated sensor and electronic warfare products and systems for U.S. and international customers. Prior to joining Raytheon, Dr. Smith was the Senior Vice President and General Manager, Integrated Defense Solutions for CAES. Previously, he was President of Government Operations at BWX Technologies (BWXT), where he was responsible for all of the company?s U.S.-based nuclear business lines, including the company?s work for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, NASA and other government customers.
Prior to joining BWXT, Dr. Smith held multiple executive roles at Lockheed Martin, and Nantero?s Government Business Unit where he played a critical role in the acquisition by Lockheed. He was also a Director at Windermere and a civil servant in the intelligence community where he held various operational, engineering, and leadership positions. Dr. Smith holds a bachelor?s degree (Cum Laude) in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Auburn University, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.
