About the RoleThe 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 escalate 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 EnvironmentBased 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
CompensationUS 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 & PerksOur 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 ComplianceTo 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.
