Senior Program Manager

PDW; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401K with company match

Parental Leave

On-site gym (Huntsville, AL & Denver,

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Generous PTO

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) in Huntsville, AL, seeks a seasoned Program Manager to own schedule, cost, and scope across major cross-functional development programs for partner designs, translating strategy into high‑quality execution.

You will lead programs from concept through design, integration, verification, and readiness for production, manage risk and milestones, and coordinate with internal teams and external partners to deliver mission-ready systems for defense and national security

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 managing multidisciplinary hardware and software development from concept through TRL6.
• Background in aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or other complex technical industries.
• Familiarity with prototype development, system integration, verification/validation, and transition-to-production processes.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional programs from concept through design, integration, verification, and readiness for production transition; shape program priorities.
• Manage schedules, risk registers, implementation plans, and action-item tracking for disciplined execution.
• Lead production reviews, change control boards, and cross-functional readiness assessments.
• Track and report key program metrics: delivery performance, production readiness, change status, schedule adherence, risk mitigation.
• Exercise independent judgment to resolve cross-functional challenges and escalate as needed.
• Track progress against design reviews, milestones, prototypes, tests, and validation to achieve production release.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Program Management or related field

Master’s degree in PM/Business Administration (MBA)

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. We operate by 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.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Program Manager to own schedule, cost, and scope across all major cross-functional development programs for partner designs, driving alignment across the organization and ensuring that strategy is translated into consistent, high-quality execution.

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 operating in 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.

Work Environment

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 travel up to 25% of the time 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.

Benefits

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.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• 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.