Senior Technical Program Manager, R&d - Active Clearance

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Air Dominance & Strike : Air Dominance & Strike Engineering : Program Management

The Senior Technical Program Manager, R&D will manage new technology development initiatives within the Internal Research and Development (IRAD) portfolio for the Autonomous Airpower Business Line. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, establishing technical KPIs, supporting engineering roadmaps, managing capture programs, and leading early-phase programs. The role requires experience in product/program management for robotics systems and a strong understanding of technical tradeoffs, with a focus on defense technology and military capabilities.

What you'd actually do

  1. Drive scoping and execution of IRAD initiatives that make up the Autonomous Airpower IRAD Portfolio. These initiatives will enable the multi-year roadmap for the Autonomous Airpower Business Line.
  2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, hardware engineers, chief engineers, program managers, business operations, and finance to meet the IRAD objectives.
  3. Establish technical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure the investment in each IRAD initiative have a positive Return on Investment (ROI).
  4. Support the execution of functional engineering roadmaps to ensure they align with long-term strategic bets and program needs.
  5. Manage capture programs by helping identify opportunities, assessing viability, developing a winning strategy, and supporting proposals.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field
  • 4+ years of experience in product manager, program manager, or product development role for robotics systems
  • Leading complex projects from conception to completion
  • Familiarity with subsystems and knowledge of robotics systems
  • Understanding technical tradeoffs and how to reduce risk
  • Organizational and analytical skills
  • Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams
  • Influencing engineering teams
  • Interacting with leadership stakeholders
  • Communication abilities
  • Active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Nice to have

  • Advanced degree in a relevant technical or management field
  • Experience in leading product development related to aircraft or Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) development within the robotics, defense, or aerospace sectors
  • Knowledge of hardware + software development practices and best practices for autonomous robotics systems

What the JD emphasized

  • Minimum of 4+ years of experience in a product manager, program manager, or product development role for robotics systems.
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance