Senior Technical Program Manager at Firestorm in San Diego, CA

Job description

Who We Are At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that. We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell — our deployable microfactory — our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need. We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact. About the Role As a Senior Technical Program Manager at Firestorm, you will take charge of mission-critical programs that push the boundaries of aerospace and defense technologies. You’ll be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end execution of complex projects, ensuring the seamless integration of technical, schedule, and cost objectives to deliver innovative, high-performance systems. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned program manager to influence key decisions, lead cross-functional teams, and drive both innovation and operational excellence in programs that directly impact national security. You will collaborate closely with Business Development, Operations, and Engineering teams, maintaining a strong focus on program execution, customer satisfaction, and delivering cutting-edge technologies that meet the highest standards. What You'll Do: Create, maintain, and track detailed program schedules, budgets, and resource plans for global programs, guiding them from concept through New Product Introduction (NPI) and full deployment. Advocate for program resources, budget, and priority, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer expectations. Monitor and report on program and project status, highlighting key metrics and milestones, and driving accountability across teams. Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, escalating when necessary to ensure that objectives are met on time and within budget. Lead the development of solutions to resolve program issues, ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and technical excellence. Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies across all program phases. Implement and oversee variant management strategies, ensuring seamless integration and delivery of tailored solutions. Negotiate terms related to performance, delivery, and cost with Sales and Business Development, ensuring that all agreements align with program goals. Act as the primary point of contact for coordination between engineering, product, manufacturing, quality, and business teams to drive collaboration and successful execution. Act as the primary customer contact for program activities, including project and program reviews, ensuring strong communication and stakeholder satisfaction. Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Business Development teams to produce customer-facing documentation, ensuring it aligns with program objectives and client needs. Work and negotiate with vendors on contracts and agreements to secure necessary resources and services for program execution. Coordinate planning, preparation, and execution of product demonstrations and test events, showcasing technical capabilities and meeting customer requirements. Collaborate with Engineering teams to continually improve product offerings, advocating for new features and innovations that will benefit the program and exceed customer expectations. Lead cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Required Qualifications: U.S. Citizenship required & the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. Bachelor’s degr