Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems for defense and public safety missions. They are seeking a Senior Program Manager to oversee cross-functional production programs, ensuring alignment across the organization and managing schedule, cost, and scope effectively.
Responsibilities
- 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
Skills
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- 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.
Company Overview
PDW is a defense technology company building multi-mission aerial robotic systems. It was founded in 2019, and is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is https://www.pdw.ai/.