Senior Program Manager

The posting, as Pdwcareers wrote it

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.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Senior Program Manager to own schedule, cost, scope, and execution across complex, cross-functional development programs involving external design partners. This person will shape program priorities, guide critical tradeoffs, and align teams and leadership to translate company objectives into successful development and production-transition outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Lead complex, cross-functional development programs across internal teams and domestic and international design partners from concept through design, integration, verification, and readiness for production transition, shaping program priorities and execution strategies to support company objectives.
• Own integrated program schedules, budgets, scope, dependencies, and risk mitigation plans, driving tradeoffs and corrective actions to achieve program commitments.
• Resolve significant and ambiguous program challenges using independent judgement to evaluate technical, operational, and business implications; elevate decisions requiring broader organizational authority with clear recommendations.
• Establish and lead program governance, including program reviews, change control boards, and cross-functional readiness assessments, securing stakeholder alignment and accountability for decisions and actions.
• Communicate program performance, forecasts, risks, and recovery plans to senior leadership, influencing decisions on priorities, resources, and execution.
• Drive readiness for design reviews, integration milestones, prototype builds, test events, and production release, ensuring teams meet agreed technical and operational criteria.
• Serve as internal subject matter expert in program execution, establishing and improving program management practices that strengthen predictability and performance across the function.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Program Management, Bu

[…]
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 travel up to 25% of the time to domestic and international partner 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.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
• 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.

This position will have an annual salary and benefits. The salary range provided is a guideline rather than a fixed limit. Individual pay is determined by factors including geography, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.