Senior Project Manager – UAS Manufacturing

The Senior Project Manager for UAS Manufacturing leads new product introduction (NPI) efforts, ensuring manufacturing readiness, production ramp, and cross-functional alignment. They plan and organize manufacturing readiness activities, coordinate communication across Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, and work with functional leaders to achieve milestones. The role involves driving hardware products from development into manufacturing in the Aerospace and Defense industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of manufacturing readiness plans, schedules, and integrated execution strategies for new product introduction programs
• Participate in all phases of New Product Introduction (NPI) activity - from early prototype builds through LRIP and manufacturing ramp-up
• Coordinate cross-functional execution across Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Design Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Supply Chain
• Facilitate large team planning sessions to establish scope, dependencies, resource requirements, and key milestones
• Prepare and maintain detailed project schedules; identify critical path, risks to schedule, and lead-time reduction opportunities
• Conduct project risk analysis and drive mitigation actions
• Work with functional managers to forecast and allocate resources across multiple concurrent projects
• Ensure completion and integration of manufacturing-related deliverables, including process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, tooling/test readiness, and supplier readiness milestones
• Report project status, risks, and mitigation plans to senior and executive leadership
• Support disciplined documentation, configuration/change control, and communication practices
• Promote a positive, “can-do” attitude and collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization
• Work with product teams to transition development hardware into rate production environments
• Represent Manufacturing Program Management in cross-functional forums, readiness reviews, and gate discussions

Requirements

• Strong understanding of manufacturing readiness, production ramp planning, and operational project controls
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced Aerospace or Defense environment
• Demonstrated ability to interpret manufacturing and engineering data, including BOMs, process documentation, and supplier deliverables
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and operational scheduling systems
• Ability to translate complex technical and operational concepts into clear communication for diverse audiences
• Familiarity with NPI frameworks, structured problem-solving methods, and manufacturing engineering practices
• Ability to maintain focus and execution discipline under high demand and rapidly changing conditions
• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related technical fields preferred
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Project Management, Operations Project Management, Manufacturing Readiness, NPI, or similar roles driving hardware into production

Nice to have

• PMP certification preferred but not required

Benefits

• Our benefits are DZYNE’ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.