Operations Program Manager

Robinson Unmanned (formerly Ascent Aero Systems) is the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) business unit of Robinson Helicopter Company. Focused on designing and manufacturing all-weather, high-performance UAS from 249g to 1,500 pounds, Robinson Unmanned combines modular open system architecture, advanced autonomy technologies, and robust, full-scale manufacturing expertise to deliver scalable, aerospace-grade, unmanned VTOL capabilities across mission-critical industrial, civil, and defense markets, all while reducing human risk and increasing operational efficiencies.

We are on the lookout for an Operations Program Manager to lead execution of the Spartan and Spirit programs. This role will own contracted program execution against agreed scope, schedule, cost, and customer delivery requirements, serve as Robinson Unmanned’s primary customer contact for program execution, and maintain an integrated plan from contract requirements through shipment. Reporting to the VP of Operations, this role works closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to keep program commitments on track.

This is a critical role for someone who can drive cross-functional issues to closure, maintain clear visibility into program risk, and communicate credible recovery plans when scope, schedule, cost, or delivery commitments are at risk.

• Maintain a clear understanding of contracted scope, SOW requirements, acceptance criteria, and delivery commitments. Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to confirm requirements are understood and achievable. Lead customer program reviews, provide accurate updates on progress, milestones, risks, and recovery plans, and obtain internal approval before making commitments that change scope, cost, or delivery dates.
• Maintain one integrated program schedule covering engineering releases, BOM and configuration readiness, material availability, production builds, ATP, and shipment. Track milestones and the critical path against customer commitments, elevate risks with options and a recommended recovery plan, and drive recovery actions through completion.
• Work with the Ops supervisor to ensure material inventory and supply commitments support the build schedule. Review shortages, supplier delivery dates, inventory availability, kitted material, and capacity constraints. You will own material planning, SOP process, and partner with the Ops supervisor on inventory control and daily manufacturing execution. The Program Manager owns visibility into their impact on program commitments and resolution of cross-functional blockers.
• Coordinate the impact and implementation of engineering and customer changes, including cost, schedule, contractual requirements, affected inventory and work in process, and configuration effectivity. Engineering retains technical approval authority. Work with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Finance to ensure approved changes are reflected in applicable BOMs, drawings, work instructions, and test requirements. Coordinate documentation transfer to RHC as needed and obtain appropriate approval before committing RU to revised scope, timing, or cost.
• Drive alignment on production readiness gates before builds begin, including released designs, BOMs, current work instructions and travelers, test criteria, and required material. Track readiness and acceptance issues through closure with Operations and Quality. Confirm required testing, serial traceability, acceptance records, and shipment documentation are complete before delivery. Quality retains product acceptance and release authority.
• Review program cost and margin monthly with Finance and Operations. Identify exposure from delays, rework, customer changes,…