Company Overview:
Dedrone is the world’s most trusted smart airspace security company. Hundreds of commercial, government and military customers around the world rely on Dedrone’s comprehensive, command and control (C2) solution to protect against the persistent and escalating threat from drones while enabling “good” drones to fly. By leveraging AI/ML, Dedrone is the only solution that provides continuous, autonomous interrogation and verification of drones that enables both multi-sensor and multi-mitigation options onto a single fused "pane-of-glass".
Whether on-premise / air-gapped or in the cloud, Dedrone customers can easily detect, track, identify, analyze, and mitigate drone threats.
Your Impact
As Principal Technical Program Manager at Dedrone, you will drive the successful delivery of complex hardware and software engineering programs from concept through production, leading cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge counter-drone technology that protects critical infrastructure and human life. This key leadership position offers significant growth potential based on demonstrated success in driving results and mentoring teams across engineering disciplines. This role will work across Dedrone’s cUAS solutions globally to allow for scale internationally.
What You’ll Do
Location:
Sterling, VA | Hybrid We believe in being together when it matters and empowering our team to work where they’re most effective. Regular in-person collaboration is essential for hardware development, prototyping, and key team activities, while the rest of the time offering the flexibility to work where you are most productive.
Reports to:
VP of Product
Direct Reports:
N/A
- Own and execute complex hardware and software development programs from concept through production launch, including prototype builds, testing, and certification, and integrations.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration between hardware engineering, software, operations, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product delivery.
- Define and track program milestones, schedules, and success metrics while proactively identifying and mitigating technical risks.
- Partner with contract manufacturers and suppliers to manage build schedules, materials planning, and manufacturing readiness. Drive mechanisms to deliver feedback for improvements from partners.
- Ensure high bar for technical design reviews and coordinate engineering validation activities across system components.
- Mentor junior program managers and engineering teams while fostering a culture of technical excellence.
- Develop and maintain detailed program documentation, including development plans, schedules, and budgets.
- Drive continuous process improvement initiatives to optimize hardware development efficiency.
What You Bring
Must have:•Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.
- 7+ years of technical program management experience leading complex hardware product development programs.
- Demonstratedtrack record of successfully shipping hardware products from concept through mass production.
- Strong understanding of hardware development processes, DFM, and manufacturing operations.
- Experience working with contract manufacturers and managing complex supply chains.
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and leadership skills with ability to influence without direct authority.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with data-driven decision-making approach.
Nice to Have:
- Proven experience leading products and teams through rapid growth phases, successfully transitioning from early-stage startup operations to scalable solutions while maintaining innovation and team effectiveness.
- Hardware product development and lifecycle management experience.
- Defense or aerospace industry experience.
- Existing, prior, or ability to obtain US Secret Security Clearance.
Benefits that Benefit You
- Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
- Discretionarypaid time off
- Paid parental leave for all
- Medical, Dental, Vision plans
- Emotional & Mental Wellness support
- Learning & Development programs
- And yes, we have snacks in our offices
Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you workDon’t meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Dedrone, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description.
If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.
Dedrone is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Dedrone’s impact on the environment. All Dedrone employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Dedrone employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion.
We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email recruitingops@axon.com.
