Program Manager at Picogrid

Who we are Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies. ABOUT THE ROLE As a Program Manager at Picogrid, you will be accountable for the success of complex, multi-deployment programs spanning products, teams, and operational environments. Many of Picogrid’s highest-impact efforts are not isolated—they involve multiple deployments operating in parallel, shared infrastructure, and tightly coupled outcomes. These activities often operate in live or mission-critical environments, where execution speed and alignment directly impact outcomes. This role is responsible for ensuring those efforts come together into a cohesive, successful program. You will operate across teams, connecting workstreams and maintaining momentum across interdependent efforts. This includes close collaboration with Deployment Strategists, Government Solutions, and Engineering leads to ensure alignment, visibility, and execution at every level. This is a role for someone who can step into ambiguity, understand the full system, and own outcomes across a network of ongoing activities to ensure that critical efforts move forward—without waiting for perfect information. WHAT YOU’LL DO - Lead execution of programs such as multi-site operational deployments, integrated sensor-to-operator workflows, or cross-product pilot efforts with government partners - Translate high-level objectives into coordinated plans, timelines, and priorities across workstreams - Drive alignment across Deployment Strategists, Government Solutions Leads, Engineering Leads, Customer Stakeholders, and Partner company representatives to align execution - Identify dependencies and risks across efforts and proactively drive resolution - Ensure insights from deployments are captured, shared, and reflected across the broader program - Maintain clear visibility into program status, tradeoffs, and outcomes for internal and external stakeholders - Drive preparation and execution of multi-site deployments, exercises, and pilots - Ensure coordination with government partners and external stakeholders as programs evolve - Step in where needed to unblock progress and maintain forward momentum WHO YOU ARE - You have experience driving complex, cross-functional efforts involving multiple teams or workstreams - You think in terms of systems and outcomes, not just individual tasks - You have a track record of being directly accountable for outcomes—not just contributing to team efforts - You are highly effective in ambiguous, fast-moving environments and can create clarity across groups - You are collaborative and low-ego—you work through others to achieve shared success - You have strong judgment and can prioritize across competing demands - You take ownership of outcomes, especially when responsibility is distributed REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - 10+ years of experience in program management, operations, consulting, deployment, or similar roles - Demonstrated experience owning and delivering complex, cross-functional programs involving multiple stakeholders - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Demonstrated ability to drive execution in ambiguous or high-pressure environments - Experience operating in dynamic or high-pressure environments - Technical fluency—you can effectively work with engineering teams (without needing to be an engineer) - Willingness to travel (often 25–75% depending on program needs) PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience working with the U.S. military, Department of Defense, or national security programs - Background in defense tech, autonomy, robotics, or C2 systems - Experience managing government programs, contracts, or field deployments - Prior experience at a startup or high-growth company - Active or eligible for a U.S. security clearance COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Base salary range: $150k- $230k per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid. - Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company - 401(k) with employer matching - Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance) - Relocation assistance provided (if applicable) - Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year - Paid parental leave for both parents - Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette - Free EV charging at the HQ - Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.