Senior Engineering Program Manager

About the role

Skydio seeks a Senior Engineering Program Manager to guide hardware engineering teams in developing autonomous systems. This role involves managing complex electromechanical programs from initial concept to mass production, coordinating various engineering and operational groups. You will define execution strategies for hardware platforms supporting Skydio's autonomous flight technology.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of hardware development programs, from concept to production.
• Create and manage integrated plans across engineering, validation, manufacturing, and operations.
• Set priorities and make cross-functional trade-off decisions to focus teams on high-impact work.
• Identify program risks early and resolve them quickly to meet schedule and product objectives.
• Coordinate system integration, prototype builds, and technical validation across development stages.
• Lead structured engineering reviews and decision-making meetings to ensure technical alignment.
• Track dependencies, address obstacles, and ensure teams work towards clear milestones.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams throughout development and production.
• Drive supplier performance on critical components, tooling, and validation to support build schedules.
• Work with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering to prepare for prototype and production builds.
• Support factory activities, including domestic and international travel during critical build and ramp phases.

Requirements

• Technical understanding of mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering development processes.
• 3-5 years of experience developing and manufacturing complex electromechanical products at consumer or high-volume scale.
• Experience in consumer electronics, robotics, automotive, aerospace, or related fields.
• Proven ability to achieve cross-functional alignment across engineering, operations, and supply chain.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.

Nice to have

• Experience taking products from concept through mass production.
• Familiarity with prototype build cycles (EVT/DVT/PVT) and manufacturing ramp processes.
• Direct experience with overseas suppliers and local manufacturing partners.
• Strong systems-thinking approach to understanding technical trade-offs.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills in fast-paced settings.
• Interest in autonomous systems, robotics, and advanced hardware development.

Skills & tools

• Electromechanical products
• Hardware development
• Program management
• Supply chain management
• Manufacturing processes

Practical notes

Benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401K savings plan. Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within 60 days of employment is encouraged. Skydio uses E-Verify for employment eligibility confirmation.