Program Manager - Unmanned Air Systems

Machina Cognita Technologies; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safe Harbor 401(k) with 4% employer (m

Health, dental, and vision insurance (

Flexible work hours + PTO

Onsite gym

Professional development reimbursement

Voice in project direction

Job summary

Machina Cognita Technologies, an R&D-driven company known for machine learning innovations, seeks a Program Manager for Unmanned Air Systems in Carlsbad, CA. You will lead cross-functional UAS Test and Evaluation programs across diverse environments and manage plans, schedules, budgets, and risks with senior leadership guidance.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of program management experience, a strong technical background, and the ability to translate client needs into innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of program management experience.
• Experience developing a new product through ideation, design, testing, and release.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Military experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional UAS Test and Evaluation programs.
• Oversee development and execution of Test and Evaluation systems across environments and systems.
• Develop program plans, schedules, budgets, and quality goals.
• Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, and contractual risks.
• Contribute to system architecture and technical design discussions.
• Run pilot implementations, troubleshoot issues, and drive resolution.
• Collaborate with engineers to translate client needs into innovative solutions.
• Travel to client destinations to facilitate Test and Evaluation events and provide ongoing support and optimization.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science/Engineering/Physics

Job description

Machina Cognita Technologies is an R&D-driven company specializing in machine learning innovations for government, commercial, and educational applications. We embrace today’s most exciting machine learning challenges with technologies including uncrewed autonomous systems, large language models, realistic simulation environments, computer vision, and reinforcement learning.

We are looking for a Program Manager – Unmanned Air Systems who thrives on tackling complex problems and pushing the boundaries of new technologies. In this role, you’ll partner closely with defense customers to understand their pain points, conceptualize forward-thinking solutions, and lead the development of Test and Evaluation capabilities for Unmanned Air Systems (UAS). You’ll own programs across the full product life cycle, bringing your ideas to life through new business opportunities.

This is a full-time, onsite role located in Carlsbad, CA.

Who You Are

• Energized by open-ended technical challenges in early-stage product development
• Cross-functional leader and collaborator
• Turns failures into learning opportunities
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 5+ years of program management experience
• Experience developing a new product through ideation, design, testing, and release
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
• Military experience is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional UAS Test and Evaluation programs
• Oversee the development and execution of Test and Evaluation systems across a range of complex environments and systems
• Develop program plans, schedules, budgets, and quality goals
• Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, and contractual risks
• Contribute to system architecture and technical design discussions
• Run pilot implementations, troubleshoot issues, and drive resolution
• Collaborate with engineers to translate client needs into innovative solutions
• Travel to client destinations to facilitate Test and Evaluation events and provide ongoing support and optimization

Compensation

Compensation is based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, location, ability, education, certifications, specialized skills, business needs, and scope and responsibilities of the position. The expected pay range for this position is $140,000-$190,000.

• Safe Harbor 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with 99% employer contribution towards employee premiums
• Flexible work hours + inclusive PTO policy to support work-life balance
• Onsite gym
• Professional development reimbursement for continual learning
• Freedom to explore, create, play, and problem-solve while receiving support and guidance from senior leaders
• Every employee, at every level, has a voice in what projects we pursue and how we accomplish our technical goals

Machina Cognita Technologies does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, or other non-merit factors. We recognize and appreciate the value of a diverse workforce and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.