Senior Program Manager
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.
We’re
entering a new phase of growth and are looking for
a
Senior
Program Manager
to
own schedule, cost, and scope across all major
crossfunctional
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 programs to
establish
new manufacturing sites, from site selection through production launch and ramp.
Develop and manage integrated schedules covering facility construction, automation deployment, equipment installation, hiring, supply chain readiness, and production startup.
Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, facilities, supply chain, quality, finance, and external partners to achieve program milestones.
Drive factory readiness activities, including capacity planning, process validation, workforce readiness, and operational qualification.
Manage risks, dependencies, budgets, and critical path activities across multiple stakeholders.
Lead deployment of automated production lines, ensuring alignment between product design, manufacturing processes, and production requirements.
Establish and
maintain
executive-level reporting on program status, schedule, cost, risks, and readiness metrics.
Support production ramp efforts to achieve target throughput, quality, cost, and delivery
objectives.
Requirements
10+ years of experience in
program
management, operations, manufacturing, industrial engineering, or related technical fields.
Proven experience leading large-scale manufacturing, factory expansion, automation, or capital equipment deployment programs.
Experience managing complex cross-functional initiatives involving engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, facilities, and external vendors.
Strong program management skills with
demonstrated
ownership of schedules, budgets, risks, and stakeholder alignment.
Experience building and
maintaining
executive-level program reporting and operating reviews.
Ability to travel as
required
to support site development, equipment installation, and launch activities.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Preferred
Experience leading site
selection, greenfield factory launches, production line deployments, or manufacturing scale-up initiatives.
Background in aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, advanced manufacturing, or other high-volume hardware industries.
Experience implementing automated manufacturing systems, robotics, material handling systems, or industrial automation technologies.
Familiarity with new product introduction (NPI), production ramp planning, and manufacturing readiness processes.
Experience working with government customers, regulated industries, or high-growth manufacturing organizations.
PMP,
PgMP, Lean, Six Sigma, or related certifications.
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 requirement
s.
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 location.
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.
