Program Manager

Performance Drone Works

• $110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years leading complex product development in engineering-heavy fields.
  • Proven experience managing hardware and software projects from concept through TRL6.
  • Background in high-tech industries like aerospace, defense, or robotics.
  • Familiar with prototype development and production transition processes.
  • Eligible for U.S. Secret security clearance or higher.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional programs from concept to production.
  • Manage schedules, risks, and implementation plans for effective execution.
  • Conduct recurring production reviews and cross-functional assessments.
  • Track and report on key program metrics and production readiness.
  • Proactively escalate and resolve cross-functional issues.
  • Monitor progress against key development milestones.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 80% company sponsorship.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) plan with a company match.
  • Paid Parental Leave policy.
  • On-site gym facilities at specific locations.
  • Employer-paid life insurance coverage.
  • Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Collaborative work environment that fosters teamwork and innovation.
  • Competitive salary and generous PTO with flexible leave options.
Full Job Description
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 production programs, 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 from concept through design, integration, verification, and readiness for production transition.
  • 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.
  • Escalate issues proactively and drive resolution of cross-functional challenges affecting production execution.
  • Track progress against design reviews, integration milestones, prototype builds, test events, and validation activities to achieve production release.


Requirements

  • 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

  • Ideal candidates have experience at companies such as Anduril, SpaceX, Tesla, Shield AI, or Amazon Robotics and have operated in environments involving government customers, manufacturing scale, and rapid growth.


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 occasional travel 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.
  • On-site gym at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

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