Program Manager, Valiant UAS · Madison

As the Program Manager for the Valiant UAS portfolio, you are the single accountable leader for budget, schedule, technical performance, customer satisfaction, and team execution. You will be on the flight line, in the lab, and on the phone with customers, leading cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and support staff. You will own the program from concept to lifecycle, manage integrated master schedules, drive cost and technical performance, and lead program reviews. This is a hands-on role requiring deep engagement with engineering, flight test, and manufacturing to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities

Full concept-to-lifecycle responsibility for the Valiant UAS portfolio across all active contracts and development efforts
Develop, maintain, and actively manage integrated master schedules (IMS) with real milestones to minimize dependence on purely success-based goals
Drive cost, schedule, and technical performance to plan; identify and burn down risk before they can be realized
Lead monthly program reviews, CDRs, PDRs, and customer milestone events
Own the financial baseline and variance analysis to mitigate surprises to leadership or the customer
Facilitate technical decision making across the program; understand the system deeply enough to challenge assumptions and make informed trades
Partner with Engineering, Flight Test, and Manufacturing to ensure technical requirements are achievable, tested, and delivered
Facilitate rapid decision-making when design, test, or fielding issues arise
Engage directly in failure investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action follow-through
Be the primary interface to Government program offices, prime contractors, and end users
Communicate status, risks, and issues proactively
Identify and capture follow-on business, contract modifications, and program growth opportunities
Represent Griffon at industry events, customer visits, and proposal activities as required
Build and lead a high-performing, low-ego team that runs toward problems, not away from them
Mentor junior program staff; establish practices and standards that outlast any single program
Embody and enforce Griffon's ownership culture: every team member knows their piece and is accountable for it

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Systems, or a closely related technical discipline
7+ years of program management experience in defense aerospace, UAS, or adjacent fields
Demonstrated track record managing DoD development or production programs from $5M to $50M+
Hands-on experience with aircraft or UAS systems
Strong command of program management fundamentals: EVM, IMS, risk management, CDR/PDR processes
Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain)
Comfortable traveling to customer sites, field operations, and test events up to 30%

Nice to have

Master's degree in Engineering or Business (MBA), or equivalent operational experience
Direct experience with Group 2–4 UAS programs in development, test, or production
Familiarity with MIL-STD airworthiness, DO-178/DO-254, or UAS-specific certification pathways
PMP, DAWIA, or equivalent program management certification
Prior military aviation or UAS operational background
Active Top-Secret clearance

Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and clearance level
Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match
Paid time off and 10 paid holidays
Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
A small company where your decisions matter and your fingerprints are on real hardware flying real missions