Director Program Management (Small UAS & Autonomous Programs)

Knightwerx; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance Available

Onsite in Scottsdale, AZ

Up to 25% travel

Job summary

Knightwerx is seeking a Director of Program Management to lead multiple autonomous systems programs from concept to field deployment for commercial and government customers. You will coordinate engineering, flight test, manufacturing, and operations while managing scope, schedule, and budget to meet customer commitments.

The role requires strong communication, DoD or government program experience a plus, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of program management, technical program management, aerospace, defense, or related leadership experience.
• Direct experience supporting, developing, delivering, or managing UAS/UAV programs.
• Demonstrated success managing complex technical programs from development through customer delivery.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, dependencies, and program risk.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in engineering-driven organizations.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving startup environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Program Management, Business, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of multiple concurrent UAS and autonomous systems programs.
• Own program performance across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate engineering, flight test, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams.
• Serve as a primary interface for customer program communications.
• Develop and manage integrated program schedules and milestones.
• Identify and mitigate technical, operational, and schedule risks.
• Support customer reviews, demonstrations, capture activities, and proposal efforts.
• Provide regular program updates to executive leadership.

Skills

Program management

Technical leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder communication

Risk & schedule management

Startup environment

Cost & budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Program Management, Business, or related field

Job description

Director, Program Management (Small UAS & Autonomous Programs)

Build technology that matters. Own more. Move faster. See your work reach the mission.

At Knightwerx, we're building technology that matters in environments where performance, speed, and reliability directly influence outcomes. We're looking for a Director of Program Management to lead the execution of advanced autonomous systems programs supporting commercial and government customers. This is an opportunity to drive programs from concept through field deployment, working alongside engineers, operators, and company leaders to deliver capabilities that make an immediate impact.

The Program Challenge

Knightwerx develops AI-powered unmanned systems, remote sensing capabilities, and autonomous technologies operating in demanding real-world environments. As Director of Program Management, you will lead the execution of multiple programs across the development lifecycle, ensuring teams remain aligned around technical objectives, customer commitments, schedule, budget, and delivery milestones.

What You Will Do

• Lead execution of multiple concurrent UAS and autonomous systems programs.
• Own program performance across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate engineering, flight test, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams.
• Serve as a primary interface for customer program communications.
• Develop and manage integrated program schedules and milestones.
• Identify and mitigate technical, operational, and schedule risks.
• Support customer reviews, demonstrations, capture activities, and proposal efforts.
• Provide regular program updates to executive leadership.

What We Are Looking For

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience supporting, developing, delivering, or managing Group 1-3 UAS/UAV programs.
• 10+ years of program management, technical program management, aerospace, defense, or related leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success managing complex technical programs from development through customer delivery.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, dependencies, and program risk.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in engineering-driven organizations.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving startup environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Program Management, Business, or related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with DoD, federal, or national security customers.
• Experience leading autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, ISR, remote sensing, or human-machine teaming programs.
• Familiarity with UAS manufacturing and production transition activities.
• PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Additional Information

Location: Onsite in Scottsdale, AZ

Travel: Up to 25%

Relocation Assistance Available

About Knightwerx

Knightwerx develops American-made, AI-powered unmanned aerial systems and remote sensing technologies for commercial and government customers. Our platforms support autonomous operations, human-machine teaming, and mission-critical applications where reliability, performance, and speed matter.