Senior Technical Program Manager

Who We Are  At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.”  As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost.  Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.  About the Role  As a Senior Technical Program Manager at Firestorm, you will take charge of mission-critical programs that push the boundaries of aerospace and defense technologies. You’ll be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end execution of complex projects, ensuring the seamless integration of technical, schedule, and cost objectives to deliver innovative, high-performance systems.  This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned program manager to influence key decisions, lead cross-functional teams, and drive both innovation and operational excellence in programs that directly impact national security. You will collaborate closely with Business Development, Operations, and Engineering teams, maintaining a strong focus on program execution, customer satisfaction, and delivering cutting-edge technologies that meet the highest standards.  What You'll Do:  

• Create, maintain, and track detailed program schedules, budgets, and resource plans for global programs, guiding them from concept through New Product Introduction (NPI) and full deployment. 
• Advocate for program resources, budget, and priority, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer expectations. 
• Monitor and report on program and project status, highlighting key metrics and milestones, and driving accountability across teams. 
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, escalating when necessary to ensure that objectives are met on time and within budget. 
• Lead the development of solutions to resolve program issues, ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and technical excellence. 
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies across all program phases. 
• Implement and oversee variant management strategies, ensuring seamless integration and delivery of tailored solutions. 
• Negotiate terms related to performance, delivery, and cost with Sales and Business Development, ensuring that all agreements align with program goals. 
• Act as the primary point of contact for coordination between engineering, product, manufacturing, quality, and business teams to drive collaboration and successful execution. 
• Act as the primary customer contact for program activities, including project and program reviews, ensuring strong communication and stakeholder satisfaction. 
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Business Development teams to produce customer-facing documentation, ensuring it aligns with program objectives and client needs. 
• Work and negotiate with vendors on contracts and agreements to secure necessary resources and services for program execution. 
• Coordinate planning, preparation, and execution of product demonstrations and test events, showcasing technical capabilities and meeting customer requirements. 
• Collaborate with Engineering teams to continually improve product offerings, advocating for new features and innovations that will benefit the program and exceed customer expectations. 
• Lead cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

 Qualifications:  

• U.S. Citizenship required & the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. 
• 9+ years of experience leading and managing complex, technical programs, preferably in aerospace, defense, or electromechanical systems; Or, 13+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree). 
• Proven ability to integrate cost, schedule, and technical baselines for high-impact, cross-functional programs. 
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple teams and maintain stakeholder alignment. 
• Experience in preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals and/or requests for quotes (RFQs) for aerospace or engineering programs.