Sr Engineering Program Manager I

Axon Axon · Enterprise · Kassel, Germany · 2024 Dedrone R&D

This role is for a Sr. Engineering Program Manager responsible for next-generation counter-UAS (cUAS) technology programs from conceptualization through production. It emphasizes program planning, risk management, and cross-functional execution across the full hardware development lifecycle, with a focus on complex electromechanical programs and on-time delivery of high-performance products. The role requires managing hardware build phases, ODM/CM relationships, and navigating regulatory and compliance requirements.

What you'd actually do

  1. Drive hardware programs from concept through mass production, owning the master schedule and ensuring milestones are met across all program phases (EVT, DVT, PVT).
  2. Lead cross-functional teams spanning mechanical, electrical, firmware, manufacturing, and supply chain to align on priorities and deliver cohesive program outcomes.
  3. Identify, track, and proactively mitigate program risks — from long-lead component constraints to supplier qualification gaps — before they become schedule or cost impacts.
  4. Own program budget management including NRE, tooling, and build costs, maintaining alignment between engineering execution and business commitments.
  5. Collaborate regularly with both domestic and international stakeholders, including ODM/CM partners, to ensure manufacturing readiness and on-time production ramp.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field
  • Proven experience managing hardware product development programs through full product lifecycle
  • Strong technical fluency across mechanical, electrical, and firmware disciplines
  • Experience managing ODM/CM relationships and coordinating manufacturing readiness activities
  • Familiarity with hardware build phases (EVT/DVT/PVT), design freeze processes
  • Proficiency with program management tools for scheduling, risk tracking, and cross-functional coordination
  • Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g., FCC, CE, UL, MIL-STD)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with high levels of ambiguity and evolving requirements

Nice to have

  • MBA or MS in Engineering Management
  • PMP certification

What the JD emphasized

  • full hardware development lifecycle
  • complex electromechanical programs
  • resource-constrained environments
  • on-time delivery
  • high-performance products
  • manufacturing readiness
  • regulatory and compliance requirements