Senior Engineering Program Manager

About the role

Skydio is seeking a highly skilled Senior Engineering Program Manager to lead hardware engineering teams in the development of autonomous systems. This critical role involves overseeing complex electromechanical programs from the initial concept phase through to mass production, ensuring seamless coordination among various engineering, manufacturing, and operational groups. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining and executing strategies for hardware platforms that underpin Skydio's autonomous flight technology, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with company goals. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of robotics and autonomous systems, contributing to innovative products that push the boundaries of current technology. The role requires a strong technical background, excellent project management skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of hardware development programs, from initial concept and design through to final production and deployment, ensuring alignment with project timelines and quality standards.
• Develop comprehensive, integrated project plans that coordinate efforts across engineering, validation, manufacturing, and operations teams, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and informed.
• Set clear priorities for teams, making strategic trade-offs across technical, schedule, and resource constraints to focus efforts on high-impact work that advances project goals.
• Identify potential program risks early in the development process, proactively resolving issues to prevent delays and ensure successful project delivery.
• Coordinate system integration activities, including prototype builds, technical validation, and testing across different development stages, to verify that hardware meets design specifications and performance criteria.
• Lead structured engineering review meetings and decision-making processes, ensuring technical alignment among teams and facilitating effective communication of project status and challenges.
• Track dependencies and milestones, addressing obstacles promptly to keep projects on schedule and within scope.
• Collaborate closely with suppliers and manufacturing teams throughout the development cycle, ensuring component quality, timely delivery, and alignment with project requirements.
• Drive supplier performance, particularly for critical components, tooling, and validation efforts, to support build schedules and quality standards.
• Work with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering teams to prepare for prototype and production builds, including planning, resource allocation, and process validation.
• Support factory activities during critical build and ramp-up phases, including domestic and international travel as needed to oversee manufacturing, resolve issues, and ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Maintain a focus on continuous improvement by analyzing project outcomes and implementing lessons learned to optimize future programs and processes.

Requirements

• Strong technical understanding of mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering development processes, with the ability to communicate effectively across disciplines.
• 3-5 years of experience developing and manufacturing complex electromechanical products at consumer or high-volume scale, demonstrating a track record of successful project delivery.
• Experience working in industries such as consumer electronics, robotics, automotive, aerospace, or related fields, with familiarity in navigating the unique challenges of these sectors.
• Proven ability to achieve cross-functional alignment across engineering, operations, and supply chain teams, fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts efficiently.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience managing hardware development programs from initial concept through to mass production, including prototype validation and manufacturing ramp-up.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including executives, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating leadership and initiative in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies to track progress, dependencies, and risks effectively.

Nice to have

• Direct experience taking products from initial concept through to mass production, with a deep understanding of the product lifecycle.
• Knowledge of prototype build cycles such as EVT (Engineering Verification Test), DVT (Design Verification Test), and PVT (Production Verification Test), as well as manufacturing ramp processes.
• Hands-on experience working with overseas suppliers and local manufacturing partners to coordinate production schedules and quality standards.
• Strong systems-thinking approach to understanding complex technical trade-offs and integrating multiple subsystems into a cohesive product.
• Experience working within highly regulated environments or with compliance standards relevant to autonomous systems or robotics.
• Passion for autonomous systems, robotics, and hardware innovation, with a curiosity for emerging technologies and trends.

Skills & tools

• Electromechanical product development
• Hardware engineering and design
• Program management and scheduling
• Supply chain management and vendor relations
• Manufacturing processes and quality assurance
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication

Practical notes

Skydio offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401K savings plan. Employees are encouraged to obtain FAA Part 107 certification within 60 days of employment to support drone operations and regulatory compliance. The company uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility, ensuring a compliant hiring process. This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge autonomous systems in a dynamic environment, with a focus on innovation, quality, and operational excellence.

About the company

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors https://www.