ABOUT DRONE AMERICA
Drone America develops and operates autonomous unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) designed for real-world flight operations, test ranges, and mission deployment.
We build full-stack aerospace systems that integrate:
- Air vehicle design and propulsion systems
- Autonomous flight control and mission software
- Sensor and payload integration (EO/IR, ISR, mission systems)
- Flight test operations and validation environments
Our programs operate in a Skunk Works-style execution model where aircraft are:
Designed → Built → Integrated → Flown → Iterated in continuous flight-test cycles
We are expanding our leadership team to support next-generation autonomous aircraft programs aligned with defense-grade development standards.
ROLE SUMMARY
We are seeking a top-tier Program Manager for Autonomous Aircraft Systems with direct experience in Skunk Works-style development environments, defense autonomy programs, or advanced UAV flight test execution.
This role owns end-to-end program execution for autonomous aircraft systems, including design integration, build coordination, flight test readiness, and operational deployment.
This is not a traditional PMO role.
This is a flight-test-driven, systems execution leadership role responsible for delivering real aircraft systems in compressed development cycles.
WHAT YOU WILL OWN Autonomous Aircraft / Ground Program Execution
- Lead full lifecycle UAV / autonomous aircraft programs from concept through operational deployment
- Own execution across:
- systems definition
- design integration
- prototype build
- flight test execution
- operational fielding
- Drive hardware-to-flight development cycles in rapid iteration environments
Flight Test & Experimental Aircraft Operations
- Lead coordination of:
- Flight Test Readiness Reviews (FRR / TRR)
- Test card planning and execution
- Range operations and flight scheduling
- Ground testing (GVT, environmental, integration)
- HITL / SIL / system validation environments
- Translate flight test data into engineering and design iteration loops
Systems Integration (Air Vehicle + Autonomy Stack)
- Integrate:
- Air vehicle systems (structures, propulsion, avionics)
- Autonomous flight control systems
- Mission systems and payloads (ISR / EO/IR / sensor fusion)
- Edge compute and onboard autonomy stacks
- Ensure alignment between:
- digital engineering models (MBSE)
- physical aircraft builds
- flight performance outcomes
Defense-Grade Program Execution
- Build and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) across engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations
- Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) principles where appropriate
- Identify and mitigate program risk across:
- technical
- schedule
- integration
- flight readiness domains
- Drive disciplined execution in high-tempo prototype development environments
Rapid Prototyping Execution Model
- Operate in a build–test–fly iterative development loop
- Compress development cycles through:
- fast integration cycles
- frequent flight test iterations
- rapid engineering feedback loops
- Support transition from prototype → validated system → operational deployment
Executive & Technical Leadership Interface
- Provide program visibility to executive leadership and engineering stakeholders
- Support rapid technical decision-making across competing design and operational constraints
- Align engineering execution with mission and program objectives
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are targeting individuals with direct experience in advanced aerospace, autonomy, or defense development environments.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
- 7–15+ years in:
- Program Management
- Systems Engineering Leadership
- Flight Test / UAV Program Execution
- Experience in UAS, UAV, autonomous systems, or experimental aircraft programs
- Background in defense, aerospace primes, or advanced R&D environments
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering + flight operations teams
- Demonstrated execution through:
- design → build → integration → flight test → deployment cycles
HIGHLY DESIRED EXPERIENCE
Candidates with experience in any of the following are strongly prioritized:
- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (Advanced Development Programs / ADP)
- Boeing Phantom Works (advanced UAV / experimental aerospace systems)
- Anduril Industries (autonomy-first defense systems, rapid iteration development)
- Northrop Grumman Advanced Programs / autonomous ISR systems
- RTX / Raytheon missile systems, sensor fusion, or autonomy programs
- DARPA-funded UAV / experimental aircraft programs
- AFRL / military flight test or experimental aviation programs
- Edwards AFB / test range / flight test squadron experience
- Classified or advanced aerospace prototyping environments
- Former NASA autonomous ISR systems
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
This role is designed for leaders who:
- Have operated in Skunk Works-style or autonomy-first aerospace environments
- Understand how to manage programs where:
- flight test drives engineering decisions
- requirements evolve through real-world testing
- prototypes are iterated continuously
Are fluent in both:
- systems engineering discipline
- real-world flight operations execution
- Have led programs where hardware, software, and autonomy converge in flight
This is a hands-on execution leadership role embedded directly in aircraft development and flight test operations.
APPLY IF YOU ARE
A program leader who has:
- Delivered UAV, autonomous aircraft, or advanced aerospace systems in real-world environments
- Worked in Skunk Works, Phantom Works, Anduril, Northrop Advanced Programs, or equivalent environments
- Led execution where flight test, engineering, and manufacturing converge
- Built systems that move from prototype → flight → operational deployment.
Pay: $102,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
