Associate TPM, Mission Integration — Aerial Systems

Sitreps; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Job summary

A venture-backed defense-technology startup is standing up a new Mission Integration function and seeks an Associate Technical Program Manager to bridge engineering reality with growth commitments. This entry-level role sits between product management and delivery, focusing on schedules, field engagement, and program handoffs.

The candidate will work closely with software developers, flight test engineers, and hardware teams, ensuring programs stay on track and aligned with customer needs.

Qualifications

• Experience in program/project management, ideally with military time.
• At least one technical area relevant to the product (software or hardware).
• Ability to work with engineers and speak their language without doing engineering.

Responsibilities

• Own downstream program management from first flight to handoff to customer training.
• Keep schedules on track and drive milestones.
• Align engineering and growth so sales commitments reflect reality.
• Support handoff to customer support, training, and demos.
• Review statements of work with growth to reflect engineering reality.
• Get hands-on with platforms in the field, including flying them.
• Translate field learnings back to engineering and product teams.
• Collaborate day-to-day with software/hardware teams and delivery teams.

Skills

Program management

Technical background

Military/defense experience

Communication

Scheduling

Stakeholder management

Education

Engineering undergrad

Military engineering training

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

A venture-backed defense-technology startup is standing up a new Mission Integration function and seeks an Associate Technical Program Manager to bridge engineering reality with growth commitments. This entry-level role sits between product management and delivery, focusing on schedules, field engagement, and program handoffs.

The candidate will work closely with software developers, flight test engineers, and hardware teams, ensuring programs stay on track and aligned with customer needs.