Senior Technical Program Manager

Apium Swarming Technologies Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

FlightWave in Carson, CA is seeking a Sr. Technical Program Manager to lead hardware/software programs from concept to production.

You will bridge engineering, product, and operations, translate vision into actionable plans, own PRD development, and drive cross-functional execution across mechanical, electrical, firmware, software, and manufacturing teams. You will build detailed program schedules, manage risks, and facilitate reviews with senior stakeholders to keep programs on track.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or related technical field.
• 7+ years managing complex hardware/software programs from concept to launch.
• Experience with PRD creation, requirements traceability, and design validation workflows.
• Proficient in project scheduling tools; Smartsheet experience preferred.
• Ability to lead without direct authority and coordinate across multiple teams.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and program-tracking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of sustaining and new product programs from concept to production ramp.
• Solicit input from customer teams to define product requirements and success criteria.
• Own and maintain PRDs and ensure alignment across technical and business teams.
• Develop detailed program plans, schedules, resources, and risk mitigation.
• Create and manage gantt charts; drive planning with agile processes.
• Facilitate cross-functional reviews across hardware, software, and manufacturing.
• Serve as primary contact for program status and decision-making, escalating risks as needed.
• Help shape FlightWave’s program management practices during scale.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

PRD development

Gantt scheduling

Smartsheet

Agile methodology (Scrum/Kanban)

Technical fluency

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Tools

Jira

Trello

Linear

Notion

Smartsheet

Job description

FlightWave, a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Sr. Technical Program Manager position. We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS drones) for use in defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.This role drives engineering execution and bridges the gap between engineering, product, and operations. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders to translate product vision into actionable program plans, own PRD development, lead cross-functional reviews, develop integrated development schedules, and ultimately drive cross-functional execution across hardware, software, and other engineering teams.Location Note: This role is onsite in Carson, California.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the full lifecycle of both sustaining engineering and new product programs — from early concept through design, validation, and production ramp.Solicit input from customer teams to define product requirements, features, and success criteria.Own and maintain PRDs (Product Requirements Documents) and ensure alignment across technical and business teams.Build and drive detailed program plans, including schedules, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.Develop detailed gantt charts and leverage agile tools (scrum, kanban, etc) to drive planning and execution.Facilitate cross-functional reviews and ensure timely execution across mechanical, electrical, firmware, software, and manufacturing teams.Identify and manage interdependencies between engineering disciplines, supply chain, and external partners.Act as the primary point of contact for program status, tradeoffs, and decision-making — escalating risks and unblocking teams as needed.Help shape FlightWave’s program management practices as the company scales — from tooling to process evolution.Other duties as assigned.QualificationsB.S. in Engineering or a related technical field.7+ years of experience managing complex hardware/software programs from concept through launch.Demonstrated experience with cross-functional technical program management in aerospace, robotics, consumer electronics, or a similar field.Strong understanding of new product development processes, including PRD creation, requirements traceability, and design validation workflows.Experience with project scheduling (gantt) tools, preferably Smartsheet.Proven ability to lead without direct authority and to coordinate across engineering, product, and operations.Excellent communication, technical fluency, and program tracking instincts.Preferred QualificationsExperience working on autonomous systems, aerospace platforms, or other regulated/high-reliability products.Familiarity with modern product management tooling (Jira, Trello, Linear, Notion, etc)Systems thinking mindset with comfort operating at multiple levels — from boardroom to build floor.Experience in environments with both agile software and gated hardware development cycles.Physical RequirementsProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Manual dexterity required for typing, data entry, and handling technical documentation.Ability to move throughout the facility to interface with engineering, production, and operations teams, including occasional visits to lab or manufacturing environments.Visual acuity to review detailed technical documents, diagrams, and product specifications.Effective verbal and written communication across phone, email, and in-person interactions.Occasional lifting of materials or equipment up to 20 pounds.Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to meet critical program deadlines.Ability to travel occasionally for program-related site visits, customer meetings, or vendor coordination.Background CheckThis position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization DisclosureRed Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.E-VerifyThe company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.