Program Manager

Performance Drone Works, LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) match

Team environment

On-site gym

Life insurance

EAP

PTO & leave

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead complex development programs for aerospace-grade systems in Huntsville, Alabama. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, manage schedules, and drive manufacturing readiness from concept through to production transition.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in engineering-heavy programs, a track record in hardware/software integration, and a security-clearance path.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Program Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience leading complex product development programs in engineering-intensive environments.
• Proven track record in hardware and software development from concept to TRL6.
• Background in aerospace, defense, robotics, or similar sectors.
• Familiarity with prototype development, system integration, and transition-to-production.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional development programs from concept to production transition.
• Manage schedules, risk registers, and implementation plans.
• Lead production reviews and readiness assessments.
• Track delivery performance, readiness, and risk mitigation progress.
• Resolve cross-functional challenges and escalate when needed.
• Monitor design reviews, prototypes, tests, and validation activities.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Program Management or related field

Master's degree in Program Management or MBA

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Jira

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.

What You’ll Do

• Lead cross-functional development programs across internal teams and external design partners from concept through design, integration, verification, and readiness for production transition, helping shape program priorities to support company objectives.
• 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.
• Exercise independent judgement to resolve complex cross-functional challenges affecting program execution, escalating issues when broader organizational decisions are needed.
• Track progress against design reviews, integration milestones, prototype builds, test events, and validation activities to achieve production release.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Program Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 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 be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Program Management, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field.
• Ideal candidates have experience operatingin environments involving government customers, manufacturing scale, and rapid growth at companies such as Anduril, SpaceX, Tesla, Shield AI, or Amazon Robotics.

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 typicallyoperatesin a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require travel up to 25% of the time to customer locations, supplier facilities, and other PDW sites. This is a fast-paced work environment and requirescross departmentalcollaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. This position may require working outside of core business hours as needed to support business and operational requirements.

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

Benefits

• 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 at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
• 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.

This position will have an annual salary and benefits. The salary range provided is a guideline rather than a fixed limit. Individual pay is determined by factors including geography, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.