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Salary: USD 150,000 - 165,000 / annual
Firestorm is building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. The company develops mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure (xCell microfactory) designed to enable rapid capability deployment for warfighters. Modern conflict has exposed a critical gap: systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm addresses this through innovative aerospace and defense technologies.
As Senior Technical Program Manager, you will oversee mission-critical programs from concept through New Product Introduction (NPI) and full deployment. You'll manage end-to-end execution of complex projects, ensuring seamless integration of technical, schedule, and cost objectives. This role offers significant influence over key decisions, leadership of cross-functional teams, and direct impact on national security initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create, maintain, and track detailed program schedules, budgets, and resource plans for global programs
- Advocate for program resources, budget, and priority alignment with organizational and customer goals
- Monitor and report on program status, highlighting metrics and milestones while driving accountability
- Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks; escalate when necessary
- Lead solution development for program issues, ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and technical excellence
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies
- Implement and oversee variant management strategies for tailored solutions
- Negotiate performance, delivery, and cost terms with Sales and Business Development
- Serve as primary coordination point between engineering, product, manufacturing, quality, and business teams
- Act as primary customer contact for program activities, reviews, and stakeholder communication
- Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Business Development on customer-facing documentation
- Negotiate vendor contracts and agreements for necessary resources and services
- Coordinate planning, preparation, and execution of product demonstrations and test events
- Collaborate with Engineering to improve product offerings and advocate for innovations
- Lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Work Environment: Based at headquarters in San Diego, CA. Occasional domestic travel up to 10% to engage with customers, vendors, and support program milestones. Relocation assistance available.
REQUIREMENTS:
- U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field (or 9+ years relevant experience in lieu of degree)
- 7+ years of experience leading and managing complex, technical programs, preferably in aerospace, defense, or electromechanical systems
- Proven ability to integrate cost, schedule, and technical baselines for high-impact, cross-functional programs
- Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to manage multiple teams and maintain stakeholder alignment
- Experience preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals and/or RFQs for aerospace or engineering programs
- Expertise in project management tools (Jira, MS Project, or equivalent) for managing complex projects
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or MBA
- Experience managing programs in cross-functional, geographically dispersed environments
- Experience with UAS and familiarity with DoD standards and regulations
- Ability to refine and develop processes, tools, and templates for efficient program execution
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to mentor, lead, and motivate teams
- Experience with military personnel or defense contractors, particularly managing complex defense programs
