Senior Engineering Program Manager II - Dedrone

Axon•Sterling, VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other. Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter. Your Impact: Dedrone stands out as the global leader in airspace defense technology and counter-UAS solutions. Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting edge of innovation. Sr. Engineering Program Managers at Dedrone have full program responsibility over next generation cUAS technology from conceptualization through production, driving programs that are highly visible to even the most senior executives. Our passionate leadership and cross-functional collaboration with product managers, mechanical and electrical engineers, industrial designers, supply chain, and manufacturing teams is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come. This role emphasizes program planning, risk management, and cross-functional execution across the full hardware development lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing complex electromechanical programs, navigating the challenges of hardware development in resource-constrained environments, and driving teams toward on-time delivery of durable, high-performance products built for diverse and demanding operational environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; MBA or MS in Engineering Management a plus.
Proven experience managing hardware product development programs through full product lifecycle, preferably in industries involving advanced electromechanical systems.
Strong technical fluency across mechanical, electrical, and firmware disciplines sufficient to evaluate tradeoffs and engage meaningfully with engineering teams.
Experience managing ODM/CM relationships and coordinating manufacturing readiness activities including yield, regulatory certification, and factory acceptance.
Familiarity with hardware build phases (EVT/DVT/PVT), design freeze processes, and the tradeoffs inherent in transitioning from development to production.
Proficiency with program management tools for scheduling, risk tracking, and cross-functional coordination.
Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g., FCC, CE, UL, MIL-STD) and experience driving products through certification processes.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify critical path risks and drive resolution across competing organizational priorities.
Excellent communication skills to effectively align cross-functional teams, surface tradeoffs to leadership, and present program status with clarity and confidence.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with high levels of ambiguity and evolving requirements.

Nice To Haves

PMP certification a plus.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; MBA or MS in Engineering Management a plus.

Responsibilities

Drive hardware programs from concept through mass production, owning the master schedule and ensuring milestones are met across all program phases (EVT, DVT, PVT).
Lead cross-functional teams spanning mechanical, electrical, firmware, manufacturing, and supply chain to align on priorities and deliver cohesive program outcomes.
Identify, track, and proactively mitigate program risks — from long-lead component constraints to supplier qualification gaps — before they become schedule or cost impacts.
Own program budget management including NRE, tooling, and build costs, maintaining alignment between engineering execution and business commitments.
Collaborate regularly with both domestic and international stakeholders, including ODM/CM partners, to ensure manufacturing readiness and on-time production ramp.
Translate complex technical status and tradeoffs into clear, actionable communication for executive and cross-functional audiences.
Work autonomously and collaboratively in an empowering and fast-paced environment, driving clarity in ambiguous situations.
Hone your program leadership expertise in a dynamic learning environment focused on personal and professional development.