Sr. Manager, Technical Program Management

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Sr. Manager of Technical Program Management to lead New Product Introduction (NPI) programs from concept through qualification, launch, and early production. This leader will own the planning, execution rhythm, risk management, and cross-functional alignment required to deliver complex hardware products on time and with high reliability.

The successful candidate will directly manage the Technical Program Managers responsible for NPI programs, establish the operating cadence and processes needed for disciplined execution, and serve as a trusted internal delivery leader to engineering leadership. The role will also manage subcontractors developing components and subsystems for PDW products, with limited but occasional customer interaction as needed. This leader is expected to thrive in an innovative, fast-paced environment, solve problems quickly, and drive disciplined program delivery without slowing product velocity.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex NPI programs to meet scope, schedule, cost, and performance objectives.
• Own people leadership for the Technical Program Management team, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and team development for NPI-focused TPMs.
• Drive integrated program plans across engineering, test, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and operations, with a primary focus on internal execution excellence.
• Establish and maintain program governance including milestones, reviews, action tracking, risk registers, and executive status reporting.
• Partner with engineering and functional leaders to identify critical path items, resolve cross-functional blockers, and maintain delivery momentum.
• Manage technical schedules, dependencies, and trade-offs across multiple concurrent programs and product lines.
• Manage major subcontractors developing components and subsystems, including scope, schedules, deliverables, technical coordination, and integration readiness.
• Lead issue escalation, decision framing, and follow-through to closure for program-level risks and execution challenges.
• Improve predictability and organizational effectiveness by introducing right-sized tools, metrics, and processes for a dynamic hardware environment.

Requirements

• 10 or more years of experience in technical program management, engineering program management, systems engineering, project engineering, or a closely related technical leadership function.
• Minimum of 4 years leading complex cross-functional technical programs or integrated product development efforts, including people leadership and ownership of execution processes.
• Experience leading complex technical programs involving multidisciplinary engineering teams in demanding or mission-critical environments; unmanned or manned aircraft systems experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycles, system integration, verification/test, manufacturing readiness, and fielding for complex hardware systems.
• Proven ability to translate technical complexity into executable program plans, milestones, and decision-ready status for leadership.
• Demonstrated success driving cross-functional alignment and accountability across engineering and operational stakeholders in an internal delivery environment.
• Excellent risk management, issue resolution, and problem-solving skills in fast-moving environments with incomplete information.
• Experience creating scalable program management processes, structures, and reporting mechanisms in a growing organization.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to directly manage TPMs, coach teams, influence without authority, and hold stakeholders accountable for commitments.
• Experience successfully managing program schedules, dependencies, and delivery timelines, including coordination with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required

Preferred

• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or similarly complex hardware environments.

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, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift/carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, and phones. Must be physically capable of walking between the office and production areas and attending events or meetings off-site as needed.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment with occasional work in a manufacturing setting. It requires the use of standard office equipment and systems. This role involves cross-departmental collaboration and both independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime or off-hour work as business needs arise.

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.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• 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.