Engineering Program Manager II United States

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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.

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.

Engineering Program Managers, Solutions at Dedrone own the delivery of next generation cUAS engineering solutions from requirements definition through deployment, driving programs that are highly visible to even the most senior executives. This role sits at the intersection of product, internal engineering, and external development partners: taking requirements from product management, aligning them with internal technical teams, and directing outside development partners (ODM/CM and technical solution providers) to design, develop, and deliver the resulting engineering solutions.

This role emphasizes vendor and program management, requirements translation, partner alignment, and cross-functional execution across the full solutions development lifecycle. The ideal candidate combines strong hardware program management fundamentals with hands‑on experience managing external development partners, ensuring that vendor-delivered work meets technical requirements, schedule, and quality bars.

• Translate product requirements from Product Management into clear technical scopes, then align internal Systems, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering teams and external development partners around a shared execution plan.
• Own the master schedule for solutions programs delivered in partnership with outside development partners (ODM/CM and technical solution providers), driving milestones across all program phases (EVT, DVT, PVT).
• Serve as the primary program interface to external development partners - managing scope, technical reviews, and deliverable acceptance to ensure vendor output meets Dedrone's requirements.
• Identify, track, and proactively mitigate program risks from partner capability gaps and 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 vendor commitments and business objectives.
• Collaborate regularly with both domestic and international stakeholders, including ODM/CM and other development partners, to ensure manufacturing readiness and on‑time production ramp.
• Translate complex technical status, vendor tradeoffs, and program risk 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 and vendor management expertise in a dynamic learning environment focused on personal and professional development.

• 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.
• Proven experience managing hardware or technical solutions programs delivered through external development partners, preferably in industries involving advanced electromechanical systems.
• Strong technical fluency across mechanical, electrical, and firmware disciplines sufficient to translate product requirements, evaluate vendor tradeoffs, and engage meaningfully with internal engineering teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing ODM/CM or outside development partner relationships, including scoping, technical reviews, deliverable acceptance, and coordinating manufacturing readiness…