Program Manager

Lever, Inc.; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

4% 401k match

PTO and Sick Leave

Job summary

Aventra Defense Systems, Inc is a venture-backed startup building scalable, precision-guided capabilities for the next generation of combat. We are assembling a team of engineers and operators who believe in speed, simplicity, and delivering real capability to the field—not just PowerPoint slides.

Based in Herndon, VA, this in-person Program Manager role partners with our executive team to drive development, production, and delivery for DoD and allied customers, balancing engineering support,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management or related technical field.
• 6-8+ years of experience in defense contracting, program management, or government customer support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail required for government work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for government reporting and briefings.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support executive team in strategic planning and execution across all aspects of program management of multiple product lines and customers.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities between engineering, manufacturing, contracts, and program delivery teams.
• Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and milestone tracking in accordance with DoD acquisition processes.
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and government stakeholders.
• Support contract compliance and reporting requirements.

Skills

Program management

Defense contracting

Communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/Business

Tools

Google Workspace

PM tools

Job description

About Aventra

Aventra Defense Systems is a defense technology company developing and delivering autonomous aerial systems for the U.S. government and allied partners. We operate at the intersection of advanced hardware, software, and national security — designing, building, and fielding systems that perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We are a mission-driven team moving at startup speed with defense-grade accountability. Our programs span contracted deliveries, government demonstrations, and ongoing system development — and our pace reflects the urgency of the problems we’re solving.

Position Overview & Key Responsibilities

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic Program Manager to serve as a key operational partner to our executive team in the development, production, and delivery of the Aventra’s high altitude systems, payloads, unmanned systems and services to the US Department of Defense and allied partners. This multifaceted role requires a versatile professional who can seamlessly transition between engineering support, software development, government customer engagement, and hands‑on troubleshooting. The ideal candidate thrives in a defense contracting environment where mission success is paramount and enjoys the challenge of wearing multiple hats to support critical defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management & Operations

• Support executive team in strategic planning and execution across all aspects of Program management of multiple product lines and customers
• Coordinate cross-functional activities between engineering, manufacturing, contracts, and program delivery teams
• Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and milestone tracking in accordance with DoD acquisition processes
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and government stakeholders
• Support contract compliance and reporting requirements

Technical & Engineering Support

• Collaborate with engineering teams on design reviews, testing protocols, and performance optimization
• Assist in troubleshooting technical issues during development, testing, and field operations
• Support flight testing activities and data analysis for both internal and government demonstration events
• Contribute to technical documentation, specifications, and government deliverables

Government Customer Engagement

• Interface with US DoD customers, program officers, and end users during technical discussions and demonstrations
• Provide technical support to military units during delivery and operational testing
• Gather operational feedback and translate customer requirements into actionable development items
• Support government demonstrations, military exercises, and capability assessments

Field Operations & Mission Support

• Occasional travel domestically and internationally for customer support, demonstrations, and field testing
• Conduct on-site troubleshooting and technical support at designated test locations
• Assist with government acceptance testing and delivery activities

Qualifications

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management or related technical field
• 6-8+ years of experience in defense contracting, program management, or government customer support
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail required for government work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for government reporting and briefings
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a regulated environment
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance

Defense Industry Experience

• Understanding of DoD acquisition processes and contract requirements
• Experience with government technical documentation and reporting standards
• Knowledge of defense contracting regulations (FAR/DFARS)
• Experience with multiple different GOV Acquisitions and program management / Contracting frameworks (DODI 5000.2, 5000.87, IDIQs, OTA, Etc)
• Experience interfacing with military personnel and government program managers
• Understanding of government testing and evaluation processes
• International defense cooperation experience (preferred)

Technical Skills

• Experience with project management tools and methodologies (preferably in defense context)
• Familiarity with unmanned systems, Robotics, High altitude systems, or Aviation related fields
• High proficiency in Google productivity suite
• Basic understanding of engineering principles and military technical documentation
• Experience with data analysis and government reporting requirements

$145,000 - $205,000 a year

Compensation Package

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Generous health coverage for employee and family, premium fully covered
• 4% 401k match
• PTO and Sick Leave

Travel & Work Environment

Travel Requirements

• Travel up to 25% to customer sites, and field test locations
• Ability to work in austere field conditions and military operational environments
• Flexibility to support urgent operational requirements and schedule changes

Work Environment

• In-person role based in Herndon, VA
• Collaborative environment supporting critical national security missions
• Direct support to warfighter capabilities and mission success

Aventra Defense Systems, Inc is a venture-backed startup building scalable, precision-guided capabilities for the next generation of combat. We are assembling a team of engineers and operators who believe in speed, simplicity, and delivering real capability to the field—not just PowerPoint slides.