Hardware Operations Program Manager

Skydio Inc.; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in stock options

Comprehensive health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

401(k) savings plan

Job summary

Skydio Inc., located in Hayward, California, is looking for a talented program manager to lead the successful delivery of new products within their Operations team. The candidate will be instrumental in improving quality and productivity while managing manufacturing operations. This role demands a strong background in electro-mechanical program management and excellent problem-solving skills.

The ideal applicant will be expected to collaborate across teams, define clear project objectives, and ensure timely completion of operational deliverables. Competitive compensation packages and benefits include equity options and health insurance.

Qualifications

• Functional understanding of manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and engineering.
• Strong electro-mechanical program management experience with consumer electronics.
• Ability to remain flexible and creative under uncertainty.

Responsibilities

• Drive successful delivery of new product and sustaining projects.
• Collaborate with various teams to execute hardware product development.
• Define project objectives, deliverables, and metrics with exit criteria.
• Plan programs, track progress, and lead risk management efforts.
• Develop processes for supply chain and manufacturing improvements.
• Coordinate post-ramp qualification and sustaining activities.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Job description

Hayward, California, United States - Full-time

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best‑in‑class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.

About the role

Skydio is seeking a talented, multi‑disciplinary program manager to drive successful delivery of new product & sustaining projects within the Operations organization. In this critical role your contributions will directly impact quality, speed to market, productivity, scaling of manufacturing operations, and profitability as Skydio delivers revolutionary autonomous drones and infrastructure to market, building advanced hardware with modern techniques in an American factory.

How you'll make an impact

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with product, engineering, reliability, customer service, supply chain, logistics, manufacturing and production teams to plan and execute the detailed development, implementation and support of new hardware products.
• Define objectives, deliverables & metrics for projects with clear exit criteria for each program phase to meet schedule, cost, quality and capacity targets. Run internal operations and production readiness meetings.
• Plan projects & programs, track progress, communicate status and elevate issues, leading risk management and problem‑solving throughout the program lifecycle.
• Drive program review meetings, partnering with cross‑functional program managers to provide concise and actionable status updates, solicit critical input, and communicate risks.
• Develop & improve processes for supply chain, manufacturing and quality, ensuring operations deliverables are completed on time for successful project outcomes.
• Coordinate & prioritize post‑ramp qualification and sustaining activities including product improvements, international expansion, transition to and from contract manufacturers, engineering builds, system‑level testing, ECO implementation, and end‑of‑life planning.

What makes you a good fit

• Functional understanding of manufacturing, quality, supply chain, engineering and change management throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Strong electro‑mechanical program management background, preferably with consumer and industrial electronics.
• Excellent problem‑solving, critical thinking, organizational, communication and leadership skills.
• Analytical approach to drive recommendations based on data, identifying or developing tools to coordinate and track project progress.
• Willingness to work outside the scope of your role to cover gaps in ownership.
• Ability to remain flexible, calm and creative in the face of uncertainty and change.

Compensation and Benefits

At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full‑time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $127 k – $180 k*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long‑term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full‑time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success.

Regular, full‑time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans and receive the following benefits: paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401(k) savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti‑discrimination laws.