Program Manager

PDW; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage (BCBS)

401(k) with company match

On-site gym

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

PDW seeks a senior leader to drive cross-functional development programs from concept to production readiness in Huntsville, Alabama. You will manage schedules, risks, and execution plans across hardware and software domains, ensuring on-time delivery for defense and public safety missions.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years of experience in engineering-heavy environments, with a track record across aerospace/defense, robotics, or autonomous systems, and the ability to obtain a U.S.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience leading complex product development programs in engineering-intensive environments.
• Proven track record managing multidisciplinary hardware and software development efforts from concept through TRL6.
• Background in aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or other complex technical industries.
• Familiarity with prototype development, system integration, verification and validation, and transition-to-production processes.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional development programs from concept through design, integration, verification, and readiness for production transition.
• Manage program schedules, risk registers, implementation plans, and action-item tracking to ensure disciplined execution.
• Lead recurring production reviews, change control boards, and cross-functional readiness assessments.
• Track and report key program metrics, including delivery performance, production readiness, change implementation status, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation progress.
• Escalate issues proactively and drive resolution of cross-functional challenges affecting production execution.
• Track progress against design reviews, integration milestones, prototype builds, test events, and validation activities to achieve production release.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Hardware development

System integration

Aerospace/defense domain

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. Weoperateby a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

WhatYou'llDo

• Lead cross-functional development programs from concept through design, integration, verification, and readiness for production transition.
• Manage program schedules, risk registers, implementation plans, and action-item tracking to ensure disciplined execution.
• Lead recurring production reviews, change control boards, and cross-functional readiness assessments.
• Track and report key program metrics, including delivery performance, production readiness, change implementation status, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation progress.
• Escalate issues proactively and drive resolution of cross-functional challenges affecting production execution.
• Track progress against design reviews, integration milestones, prototype builds, test events, and validation activities to achieve production release.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience leading complex product development programs in engineering-intensive environments.
• Proven track record managing multidisciplinary hardware and software development efforts from concept through TRL6.
• Background in aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, or other complex technical industries.
• Familiarity with prototype development, system integration, verification and validation, and transition-to-production processes.
• Must have the ability to obtain andmaintaina U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred

• Ideal candidates have experience at companies such as Anduril, SpaceX, Tesla, Shield AI, or Amazon Robotics and haveoperatedin environments involving government customers, manufacturing scale, and rapid growth.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office or manufacturing equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations, supplier facilities, and other PDW sites. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. This position may require working outside of core business hours as needed to support business and operational requirements s.

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.