NatSec Program Manager at Skydio

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios and beyond. About the Role: Skydio is seeking a driven and highly accountable Program Manager to lead program execution and strategic account management across Department of War (DoW) programs and other federal accounts. This role manages an assigned portfolio of government customers following contract award. The individual is responsible for ensuring successful delivery, operational integration, sustainment alignment, and long-term mission success across multiple accounts, programs of record, and mission sets. Beyond execution, this position is accountable for driving adoption, customer satisfaction, renewals, and expansion opportunities throughout the portfolio. You will operate at the intersection of contract management, mission enablement, and strategic growth, overseeing performance across a diverse customer portfolio. Internally, you will partner closely with Sales, Business Development, Solutions Engineering, Product Management, Support, and Operations to align execution across accounts, mitigate risk, communicate portfolio-level performance to leadership, and position Skydio for follow-on opportunities. A successful candidate will serve as a the conduit between customers and Skydio’s technical teams, balancing compliance, operational performance, and growth across the portfolio to ensure enduring mission impact and sustained customer success This role reports to the Head of National Security Programs. How You’ll Make an Impact: OWN MISSION SUCCESS ACROSS DOW ACCOUNTS Serve as the primary liaison for assigned DoW programs. Ensure successful delivery, operational integration, and sustainment of Skydio systems while driving measurable mission outcomes and customer satisfaction. LEAD CONTRACT EXECUTION & RISK MANAGEMENT Maintain ownership of program and contract scope, compliance, deliverables, and performance metrics. Translate customer requirements into coordinated internal action plans, proactively identify risks and opportunities, and ensure executive visibility across program health. DRIVE ADOPTION, VALUE REALIZATION & GROWTH Develop strong relationships with pilots, program offices, and acquisition stakeholders to understand mission-specific operational use cases. Help drive and tailor our products to meet customer-unique requirements and field-level realities. Lead QBRs and customer engagements focused on measurable ROI and mission impact. Monitor adoption and utilization to ensure operational integration, and identify expansion pathways including follow-on funding, capability enhancements, and new mission applications. ALIGN CROSS-FUNCTIONAL & PARTNER EXECUTION Coordinate Sales, Mission Success, Product and Engineering partners to ensure aligned execution. Equip internal and external teams with the tools, communication, and visibility required to deliver program success. What Makes You a Good Fit: - Demonstrated experience managing programs or strategic accounts within the Department of War or federal government, with deep domain expertise in operational environments. - Strong understanding of DoW acquisition processes and contract structures (e.g., IDIQ, OTA, BPA, FAR/DFARS environments), and the ability to translate operational requirements into executable acquisition strategies. - Experience navigating complex stakeholder ecosystems including operators, PMOs, contracting officers, and senior defense leadership, with credibility at the tactical edge and the executive level. - Proven ability to drive operational adoption, renewals, and expansion within government accounts by aligning products to mission-specific use cases and field-level realities. - Demonstrated capability to lead product integration and operational employment from a tactical and technical standpoint, ensuring systems are effectively deployed, utilized, and embedded in mission workflows. - Strong program management discipline with expertise in risk management, compliance oversight, systems integration, and cross-functional coordination. - Experience with unmanned systems, robotics, defense technology, or mission-critical hardware/software platforms preferred, particularly in operationally deployed environments. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings and technical engagements with operators and engineers. - Ability to operate independently with high ownership and accountability in dynamic, mission-driven environments. Preferred Requirements: - U.S. citizenship required. - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (if applicable). - Ability to travel up to 50% to DoD customer sites, exercises, and program reviews. - FAA Part 107 Certification (or willingness to obtain). Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $120,000 -$160,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria. *Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location. #LI-LP1 At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws. For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit [Upgrade to PRO to see link]