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 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 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.