Senior Project Manager- UAS Manufacturing

DZYNE Technologies•Irvine, CA

5d•$145,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DZYNE has an immediate need for a talented Senior Project Manager for UAS Manufacturing who will join our industry-leading team at our Irvine, CA location. The Senior Project Manager for UAS Manufacturing provides leadership on assigned new product introduction (NPI) efforts and acts to achieve schedule, manufacturing readiness, production ramp, and cross-functional alignment objectives. The Senior Project Manager for UAS Manufacturing plans and organizes all manufacturing readiness activities specific to each product line, coordinates communication across Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, and works closely with functional leaders to ensure resource planning, execution discipline, and milestone achievement. The successful candidate must have strong program management aptitude, exceptional communication skills, and experience driving hardware products through development into manufacturing. Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing readiness, cross-functional planning, or production ramp-up activities in the Aerospace and Defense industry is strongly preferred.

Requirements

Lead the development of manufacturing readiness plans, schedules, and integrated execution strategies for new product introduction programs
Participate in all phases of New Product Introduction (NPI) activity - from early prototype builds through LRIP and manufacturing ramp-up
Coordinate cross-functional execution across Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Design Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Supply Chain
Facilitate large team planning sessions to establish scope, dependencies, resource requirements, and key milestones
Prepare and maintain detailed project schedules; identify critical path, risks to schedule, and lead-time reduction opportunities
Conduct project risk analysis and drive mitigation actions
Work with functional managers to forecast and allocate resources across multiple concurrent projects
Ensure completion and integration of manufacturing-related deliverables, including process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, tooling/test readiness, and supplier readiness milestones
Report project status, risks, and mitigation plans to senior and executive leadership
Support disciplined documentation, configuration/change control, and communication practices
Promote a positive, “can-do” attitude and collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization
Work with product teams to transition development hardware into rate production environments
Represent Manufacturing Program Management in cross-functional forums, readiness reviews, and gate discussions
Bachelor’s degree required; degrees in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related technical fields preferred
Aerospace or Defense Contractor industry experience highly preferred
Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Project Management, Operations Project Management, Manufacturing Readiness, NPI, or similar roles driving hardware into production
Experience transitioning products from prototype or LRIP into rate production is a plus
Skilled in the use of IT tools, including ERP/MRP systems and the Microsoft Office Professional Suite, including MS Project
Proven ability to plan, organize, supervise, and coordinate technical work and obtain cooperation from cross-functional teams
Experience managing multiple concurrent operational or manufacturing-related projects
Ability to travel as needed for supplier readiness reviews, build events, and cross-site coordination
It is an essential requirement for the person in this role to have a legal right to work in the United States and be eligible to obtain any required Export Authorization and DoD Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of manufacturing readiness, production ramp planning, and operational project controls
Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced Aerospace or Defense environment
Demonstrated ability to interpret manufacturing and engineering data, including BOMs, process documentation, and supplier deliverables
Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and operational scheduling systems
Ability to translate complex technical and operational concepts into clear communication for diverse audiences
Familiarity with NPI frameworks, structured problem-solving methods, and manufacturing engineering practices
Ability to maintain focus and execution discipline under high demand and rapidly changing conditions
PMP certification preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Lead the development of manufacturing readiness plans, schedules, and integrated execution strategies for new product introduction programs
Participate in all phases of New Product Introduction (NPI) activity - from early prototype builds through LRIP and manufacturing ramp-up
Coordinate cross-functional execution across Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Design Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Supply Chain
Facilitate large team planning sessions to establish scope, dependencies, resource requirements, and key milestones
Prepare and maintain detailed project schedules; identify critical path, risks to schedule, and lead-time reduction opportunities
Conduct project risk analysis and drive mitigation actions
Work with functional managers to forecast and allocate resources across multiple concurrent projects
Ensure completion and integration of manufacturing-related deliverables, including process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, tooling/test readiness, and supplier readiness milestones
Report project status, risks, and mitigation plans to senior and executive leadership
Support disciplined documentation, configuration/change control, and communication practices
Promote a positive, “can-do” attitude and collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization
Work with product teams to transition development hardware into rate production environments
Represent Manufacturing Program Management in cross-functional forums, readiness reviews, and gate discussions