Director of Program Management

Ottopia is seeking a Director of Program Management with a strong technical foundation to lead complex, multi-disciplinary programs spanning AI, software, and hardware systems. In this role, you will drive execution across both internal teams (R&D, Product, QA, Business) and external stakeholders, including Government, Military, and Defense Primes.

You’ll be responsible for delivering mission-critical projects – on time, at high quality, and with full accountability. Success requires a deep understanding of system architecture, technical trade-offs, and implementation constraints. You’ll serve as the single point of coordination and communication across all functions, ensuring alignment, progress, and impact.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of complex, cross-functional programs - from planning through execution and delivery.
• Translate customer and business objectives into detailed project plans with clear milestones, owners, and timelines.
• Actively manage execution - monitor progress, flag risks early, and drive issue resolution to keep programs on track.
• Work closely with R&D and Product teams to understand technical trade-offs, architecture decisions, and system constraints.
• Serve as the main point of contact for Government, Military, and Defense Prime customers - ensuring alignment with technical specs, program requirements, and relevant standards.
• Prepare and present clear, concise updates - from executive summaries to technical deep dives - tailored to internal and external stakeholders.
• Continuously improve project execution, cross-team workflows, and stakeholder communication.
• Draft Statements of Work (SOWs), risk assessments, delivery plans, and other critical program documentation.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in program or project management roles in tech, leading complex, multi-disciplinary programs.
• Must have prior experience as a core team member at a successful startup, scaleup, or prime contractor in the defense sector – not just as an external vendor.
• Strong technical foundation – hands-on experience in one or more of the following: systems engineering, autonomy, AI, computer vision, embedded software, networking, or related domains.
• Proven ability to understand and communicate complex technical systems (e.g., autonomy, safety, networking, video).
• Fluent English – excellent written and verbal communication across technical and executive audiences.
• Highly organized, execution-driven, and comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. …
• Willingness to travel internationally for customer engagements, field trials, and partner visits as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in startups delivering mission-critical software and/or hardware systems.
• Familiarity with modern software development tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Jira, Confluence).
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams across software, hardware, QA, product, and field operations.
• Understanding of defense procurement cycles, compliance requirements, and certification processes.
• Background in teleoperation, robotics, autonomous systems, automotive platforms, or C4I systems.
• Technical degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership without formal authority.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and interpersonal communication.
• Problem-solver with a hands-on, ownership-driven approach.
• Comfortable operating under ambiguity and evolving requirements.
• Eager to learn, grow, and succeed as part of a mission-driven team.