This Engineering Program Manager II role at Dedrone, an Axon company, owns the delivery of next-generation counter-UAS engineering solutions from requirements definition through deployment. The role sits at the intersection of product management, internal engineering, and external development partners, translating product requirements into technical scopes and directing ODM/CM partners to design, develop, and deliver solutions. You will own the master schedule, manage vendor relationships, mitigate program risks, and manage program budgets, ensuring vendor-delivered work meets technical, schedule, and quality requirements. This is a highly visible role that requires strong program and vendor management skills across the full solutions development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

Translate product requirements from Product Management into clear technical scopes, then align internal Systems, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering teams and external development partners around a shared execution plan.
Own the master schedule for solutions programs delivered in partnership with outside development partners (ODM/CM and technical solution providers), driving milestones across all program phases (EVT, DVT, PVT).
Serve as the primary program interface to external development partners — managing scope, technical reviews, and deliverable acceptance to ensure vendor output meets Dedrone's requirements.
Identify, track, and proactively mitigate program risks from partner capability gaps and long-lead component constraints to supplier qualification gaps before they become schedule or cost impacts.
Own program budget management including NRE, tooling, and build costs, maintaining alignment between vendor commitments and business objectives.
Collaborate regularly with both domestic and international stakeholders, including ODM/CM and other development partners, to ensure manufacturing readiness and on-time production ramp.
Translate complex technical status, vendor tradeoffs, and program risk into clear, actionable communication for executive and cross-functional audiences.
Work autonomously and collaboratively in an empowering and fast-paced environment, driving clarity in ambiguous situations.
Hone your program and vendor management expertise in a dynamic learning environment focused on personal and professional development.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; MBA or MS in Engineering Management a plus.
Proven experience managing hardware or technical solutions programs delivered through external development partners, preferably in industries involving advanced electromechanical systems.
Strong technical fluency across mechanical, electrical, and firmware disciplines sufficient to translate product requirements, evaluate vendor tradeoffs, and engage meaningfully with internal engineering teams.
Demonstrated experience managing ODM/CM or outside development partner relationships, including scoping, technical reviews, deliverable acceptance, and coordinating manufacturing readiness activities such as yield, regulatory certification, and factory acceptance.
Familiarity with hardware build phases (EVT/DVT/PVT), design freeze processes, and the tradeoffs inherent in transitioning from development to production.
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) and experience driving vendor-delivered products through certification processes.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify critical path risks — including those originating with external partners — and drive resolution across competing organizational priorities.
Excellent communication skills to effectively align product managers, internal engineering teams, and external development partners, surface tradeoffs to leadership, and present program status with clarity and confidence.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with high levels of ambiguity and evolving requirements.

Nice to have

PMP certification a plus.

Benefits

Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
Discretionary paid time off
Paid parental leave for all
Medical, Dental, Vision plans
Fitness Programs
Emotional & Mental Wellness support
Learning & Development programs
And yes, we have snacks in our offices