Staff Program Manager - Software & Autonomy

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

19h•$164,000 - $195,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Program Manager – Software & Autonomy leads the planning and execution of software and autonomy programs for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) delivered to defense customers. The role owns cost, schedule, and technical performance for software-intensive efforts, including flight software, autonomy and mission software, ground control systems, and integration with hardware platforms. The position translates operational needs into executable software roadmaps, aligns engineering, test, and production teams, and serves as the primary customer interface for software and autonomy deliverables. It also mentors junior program managers and supports continuous improvement of Program Office processes. The role is based at Firestorm’s headquarters in San Diego, California. Local candidates and candidates open to relocating are welcome; relocation assistance may be included in the offer package where appropriate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
8+ years of program or project management experience, including at least 4 years managing software-intensive programs.
Experience managing programs for DoD or other defense customers, including CDRLs, contract milestones, and customer reviews.
Demonstrated experience with Agile software development methods and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence) and integrating Agile execution into an IMS.
Strong command of program financial management, including budgets, EAC/ETC, and cost and schedule variance analysis.
Working knowledge of software development lifecycle, configuration management, and release management.
Excellent communication skills, including briefing executives and government customers.
U.S. citizenship, as required for ITAR-controlled work and security clearance eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Active Secret clearance or higher.
Experience with UAS, autonomy, robotics, or flight software programs.
Familiarity with autonomy architectures, open standards, and ground control software.
Experience with EVM and program control tools.
PMP, PMI-ACP, or Scaled Agile (SAFe) certification.
Experience in a fast-paced startup or rapid-scaling defense technology environment.

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end execution of software and autonomy programs, including cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.
Build and maintain program plans, integrated master schedules (IMS), and software release roadmaps aligned to contract milestones.
Manage program budgets, EAC/ETC, and variance analysis, and keep leadership informed of financial health.
Lead software development lifecycle planning from requirements through release, integration, and sustainment.
Coordinate software, autonomy, systems engineering, flight test, and manufacturing teams to ensure hardware/software integration and on-time delivery.
Translate customer and operator needs into prioritized requirements and capability increments, and redirect effort when stated requests differ from operational requirements.
Plan and support software test events, flight demonstrations, and operator feedback activities, and drive feedback into the development backlog.
Manage software CDRLs and documentation, such as Software Development Plans (SDPs), Software Version Descriptions (SVDs), and test reports.
Ensure software programs meet cybersecurity, export control (ITAR), and applicable airworthiness and safety requirements.
Identify, track, and mitigate program risks and issues, and escalate with options and recommendations.
Serve as primary point of contact for government customers, including COR, PM, and end users, and lead program reviews.
Mentor junior program managers and support continuous improvement of Program Office processes.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
Equity grants for new hires.
Unlimited PTO.
Generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November and December.
Generous parental leave.
Lifestyle Spending Account.
FSA, DCFSA, and HSA.
Hospital indemnity insurance.
Critical illness insurance.
Accident insurance.
Basic Life/AD&D and short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm; additional life insurance may be purchased for the employee and family.
Free mental health resources available 24/7, including therapy.
Free legal and financial support work-life services.
Relocation assistance may be included in the offer package where appropriate.