Senior Project Manager - UAS Manufacturing

About DZYNE

DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready.

We're growing fast, and looking for innovators ready to make an impact. At DZYNE, you'll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose. We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member's success.

Ready to do work that matters? Join us.

Position Title: Senior Project Manager - UAS Manufacturing

Location: Irvine, CA

Position Summary

DZYNE has an immediate need for a talented Senior Project Manager for UAS Manufacturing who will join our industry-leading team at our Irvine, CA location. The Senior Project Manager for UAS Manufacturing provides leadership on assigned new product introduction (NPI) efforts and acts to achieve schedule, manufacturing readiness, production ramp, and cross-functional alignment objectives.

The Senior Project Manager for UAS Manufacturing plans and organizes all manufacturing readiness activities specific to each product line, coordinates communication across Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, and works closely with functional leaders to ensure resource planning, execution discipline, and milestone achievement.

The successful candidate must have strong program management aptitude, exceptional communication skills, and experience driving hardware products through development into manufacturing. Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing readiness, cross-functional planning, or production ramp-up activities in the Aerospace and Defense industry is strongly preferred.

Required Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of manufacturing readiness plans, schedules, and integrated execution strategies for new product introduction programs
• Participate in all phases of New Product Introduction (NPI) activity - from early prototype builds through LRIP and manufacturing ramp-up
• Coordinate cross-functional execution across Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Design Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Supply Chain
• Facilitate large team planning sessions to establish scope, dependencies, resource requirements, and key milestones
• Prepare and maintain detailed project schedules; identify critical path, risks to schedule, and lead-time reduction opportunities
• Conduct project risk analysis and drive mitigation actions
• Work with functional managers to forecast and allocate resources across multiple concurrent projects
• Ensure completion and integration of manufacturing-related deliverables, including process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, tooling/test readiness, and supplier readiness milestones
• Report project status, risks, and mitigation plans to senior and executive leadership
• Support disciplined documentation, configuration/change control, and communication practices
• Promote a positive, "can-do" attitude and collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization
• Work with product teams to transition development hardware into rate production environments
• Represent Manufacturing Program Management in cross-functional forums, readiness reviews, and gate discussions

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing readiness, production ramp planning, and operational project controls
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced Aerospace or Defense environment
• Demonstrated ability to interpret manufacturing and engineering data, including BOMs, process documentation, and supplier deliverables
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and operational scheduling systems
• Ability to translate complex technical and operational concepts into clear communication for diverse audiences
• Familiarity with NPI frameworks, structured problem-solving methods, and manufacturing engineering practices
• Ability to maintain focus and execution discipline under high demand and rapidly changing conditions

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• PMP certification preferred but not required

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related technical fields preferred
• Aerospace or Defense Contractor industry experience highly preferred
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Project Management, Operations Project Management, Manufacturing Readiness, NPI, or similar roles driving hardware into production

Clearance Level Required: None

Travel Required: Up to 10%

Working Conditions:

The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.

Work Authorization Requirement:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Export Control / ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms

Salary: $150,000 - $175,000

Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus. The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of salary or annual bonus.

Benefits:

Our benefits are DZYNE'ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.

DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

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