Program Manager

We are looking for a Program Manager to lead complex defense programs of autonomous drone systems. This role sits at the center of client-facing delivery, internal execution, and cross-functional alignment. You will own program success end-to-end: customer relationship, scope, schedule, resources, risks, and delivery across R&D, Operations, and field service, while maintaining tight alignment with Sales and Senior Management.

Responsibilities

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for defense customers throughout the program lifecycle.
• Build trusted relationships with client counterparts.
• Translate client needs into clear program objectives, deliverables, and priorities.
• Lead regular program status meetings.
• Manage expectations, negotiate tradeoffs, and handle escalations to ensure long-term customer satisfaction.
  
  

• Create and manage detailed workplans and schedules in coordination with R&D, Operations, and support/maintenance teams.
• Lead cross-department execution involving R&D, Operations, QA, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Field/Support.
• Coordinate internal priorities to meet contractual and operational commitments.
• Track progress against KPIs, milestones, cost, and timelines. ensure transparent reporting.
• Own program risk management: identify, mitigate, and escalate programmatic/technical risks.
• Ensure compliance with defense industry standards, security guidelines, and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate documentation, reporting, and delivery artifacts as required by the customer.
• Issue clear action plans and follow up until closure.
  
  

• Maintain close working relationships with Sales to support expansions, contract changes, and follow-on opportunities.
• Provide accurate program visibility to senior leadership (roadmap, risks, financials, and customer posture).
• Advocate internally for customer needs while balancing company strategy and capacity.
  
  

• 2+ years of program/project management experience in defense, aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Proven record of managing customer relationships and delivery for complex technical programs.
• Ability to build and maintain structured workplans for R&D and Operations teams.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Sales and senior leadership.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and escalation handling skills.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).
• Ability to work in a fast-changing, mission-critical environment with multiple stakeholders.
  
  

• Experience with autonomous drones / UAS / robotics in operational defense settings.
• Familiarity with defense procurement and contract frameworks (e.g., milestones, acceptance tests, SLA)
• Practical understanding of system development lifecycles (hardware + software), including integration and field deployment.
  
  

• Customer-first mindset with strong boundary-setting and prioritization ability.
• High ownership and execution drive.
• Structured thinker who can run complex programs without losing detail.
• willingness and ability to travel abroad as needed
• Comfortable operating from strategy planning to hands-on tasks.
• Calm under pressure