Staff Program Manager - Software & Autonomy

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k)

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

Generous holidays

Parental Leave

Lifestyle Spending Account

HSA

Job summary

Firestorm, based in San Diego, seeks a Staff Program Manager – Software & Autonomy to lead planning and execution of software-driven defense programs for unmanned systems. You’ll own cost, schedule, and technical performance across software-intensive efforts, and interface with government customers and internal teams.

The role requires 8+ years in program management, DoD experience, and strong Agile practices with Jira/Confluence.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in program/project management for defense or DoD customers.
• Experience with CDRLs, milestones, and customer reviews.
• Strong budgeting, EAC/ETC, and variance analysis.
• Agile software development with Jira/Confluence integration.
• Excellent communication with executives and government customers.
• U.S. citizenship required for ITAR work.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end software and autonomy program execution, budgets, and schedules.
• Build IMS, release roadmaps, and manage contract milestones.
• Coordinate software, autonomy, systems engineering, flight test, and manufacturing.
• Translate needs into prioritized requirements and backlog items.
• Lead software test events, demonstrations, and operator feedback activities.
• Manage CDLs and software documentation (SDPs, SVDs, test reports).
• Ensure cybersecurity, ITAR, airworthiness and safety compliance.
• Mentor junior PMs and improve Program Office processes.

Skills

Program management

Software project mgmt

Agile (Jira, Confluence)

Budgeting & cost control

Executive briefings

US citizenship

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Software Eng/ Aerospace/ Electrical Eng

Tools

EVM

Program controls tools

Job description

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that.

We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell — our deployable microfactory — our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need.

We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.

About the Role

The Staff Program Manager – Software & Autonomy leads the planning and execution of software and autonomy programs for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) delivered to defense customers. This role owns cost, schedule, and technical performance for software-intensive efforts, including flight software, autonomy and mission software, ground control systems, and integration with hardware platforms. The Senior PM translates operational needs into executable software roadmaps, aligns engineering, test, and production teams, and serves as the primary customer interface for software and autonomy deliverables.

What You'll Do

• Own end-to-end execution of software and autonomy programs, including cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction
• Build and maintain program plans, integrated master schedules (IMS), and software release roadmaps aligned to contract milestones
• Manage program budgets, EAC/ETC, and variance analysis, and keep leadership informed of financial health
• Lead software development lifecycle planning from requirements through release, integration, and sustainment
• Coordinate software, autonomy, systems engineering, flight test, and manufacturing teams to ensure hardware/software integration and on-time delivery
• Translate customer and operator needs into prioritized requirements and capability increments, and redirect effort when stated requests differ from operational requirements
• Plan and support software test events, flight demonstrations, and operator feedback activities, and drive feedback into the development backlog
• Manage software CDRLs and documentation, such as Software Development Plans (SDPs), Software Version Descriptions (SVDs), and test reports
• Ensure software programs meet cybersecurity, export control (ITAR), and applicable airworthiness and safety requirements
• Identify, track, and mitigate program risks and issues, and escape with options and recommendations
• Serve as primary point of contact for government customers, including COR, PM, and end users, and lead program reviews
• Mentor junior program managers and support continuous improvement of Program Office processes

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• 8+ years of program or project management experience, including at least 4 years managing software-intensive programs
• Experience managing programs for DoD or other defense customers, including CDRLs, contract milestones, and customer reviews
• Demonstrated experience with Agile software development methods and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence) and with integrating Agile execution into an IMS
• Strong command of program financial management, including budgets, EAC/ETC, and cost and schedule variance analysis
• Working knowledge of software development lifecycle, configuration management, and release management
• Excellent communication skills, including briefing executives and government customers
• U.S. citizenship, as required for ITAR-controlled work and security clearance eligibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance or higher
• Experience with UAS, autonomy, robotics, or flight software programs
• Familiarity with autonomy architectures, open standards and ground control software
• Experience with EVM and program control tools
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or Scaled Agile (SAFe) certification
• Experience in a fast-paced startup or rapid-scaling defense technology environment

Work Environment

Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA. We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate

Compensation

US Salary Range: $164,000 - $195,000 USD

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Equity grants for new hires
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm.Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.

Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us [e-mail] so we can provide the support you need.