Senior Engineering Program Manager II - Dedrone at Axon

Join Axon and be a Force for Good. At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other. Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter. Your Impact: Dedrone stands out as the global leader in airspace defense technology and counter-UAS solutions. Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting edge of innovation. Sr. Engineering Program Managers at Dedrone have full program responsibility over next generation cUAS technology from conceptualization through production, driving programs that are highly visible to even the most senior executives. Our passionate leadership and cross-functional collaboration with product managers, mechanical and electrical engineers, industrial designers, supply chain, and manufacturing teams is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come. This role emphasizes program planning, risk management, and cross-functional execution across the full hardware development lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing complex electromechanical programs, navigating the challenges of hardware development in resource-constrained environments, and driving teams toward on-time delivery of durable, high-performance products built for diverse and demanding operational environments. What You'll Do: • Drive hardware programs from concept through mass production, owning the master schedule and ensuring milestones are met across all program phases (EVT, DVT, PVT). • Lead cross-functional teams spanning mechanical, electrical, firmware, manufacturing, and supply chain to align on priorities and deliver cohesive program outcomes. • Identify, track, and proactively mitigate program risks — from 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 engineering execution and business commitments. • Collaborate regularly with both domestic and international stakeholders, including ODM/CM partners, to ensure manufacturing readiness and on-time production ramp. • Translate complex technical status and tradeoffs 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 leadership expertise in a dynamic learning environment focused on personal and professional development. What You Bring: • 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. • PMP certification a plus. • Proven experience managing hardware product development programs through full product lifecycle, preferably in industries involving advanced electromechanical systems. • Strong technical fluency across mechanical, electrical, and firmware disciplines sufficient to evaluate tradeoffs and engage meaningfully with engineering teams. • Experience managing ODM/CM relationships and coordinating manufacturing readiness activities including 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 products through certification processes. • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify critical path risks and drive resolution across competing organizational priorities. • Excellent communication skills to effectively align cross-functional teams, 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. Work Location This role is based out of our Sterling, VA office and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success. Benefits that Benefit You • 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 Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work Don’t meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you’re excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Important Notes The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions. Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment. 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