Configuration Manager, Autonomous Systems

Young Community Developers • Irvine, CA

14h • $121,000 - $158,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Configuration Manager owns the configuration management strategy, governance, and execution for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across design, production, and operational lifecycles. This role establishes and enforces CM policies, defines configuration baselines, leads change control processes, and ensures traceability between engineering, manufacturing, and deployed systems. The Configuration Manager plays a critical role in scaling the organization from prototype-heavy development to disciplined, production-oriented operations.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in configuration management for productionized electro‑mechanical systems such as UAVs, avionics, automotive platforms, or similar complex hardware‑software products.
• Demonstrated experience owning configuration management in complex hardware and software systems.
• Strong understanding of CM principles, including configuration identification, control, status accounting, and audits.
• Experience leading engineering change processes and cross-functional change control boards.
• Proven ability to define and enforce CM policies in fast-moving engineering organizations.
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems and release-to-production workflows.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, scaling environments

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience supporting production ramp-up and configuration control of fielded electro‑mechanical systems (UAVs, avionics, automotive, robotics, etc.).
• Experience supporting production ramp-ups or scaling manufacturing operations.
• Background in aerospace, UAS, defense, or other regulated industries.
• Familiarity with AS9100, DO-178/254, or similar compliance frameworks.
• Experience integrating PLM with ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience managing configuration for deployed fleets or operational systems.
• Prior people leadership or functional ownership experience.

Responsibilities

• Define, implement, and maintain company-wide configuration management processes, standards, and procedures.
• Establish and manage configuration baselines for hardware, software, firmware, ground systems, and documentation.
• Lead the Configuration Control Board (CCB), including change review, decision documentation, and implementation tracking.
• Oversee Engineering Change Management (ECR/ECN) processes and ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Ensure end-to-end traceability from design release through manufacturing, deployment, and field operations.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to support production readiness and system integrity.
• Own configuration audits, compliance readiness, and configuration status accounting.
• Select, administer, and continuously improve CM tools and workflows (PLM, PDM, document control systems).
• Mentor and oversee Configuration Analysts and/or Document Control personnel.
• Support regulatory, customer, and internal requirements related to configuration control.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package
• Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting
• Annual bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior