Program Manager - Commercial sUAS Programs

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 customer-facing Program Manager to lead the implementation, deployment, and operational handoff of Skydio’s UAS solutions for Commercial customers. This role sits within the Mission Success organization and is responsible for driving successful outcomes across Piloted sUAS operations, dock-based remote operations, operational readiness, and long-term customer adoption.

You will own end-to-end program execution—from initial planning through deployment, operational handoff, and stabilization—working closely with customers and internal teams to stand up scalable UAS programs. This role requires comfort with technical systems, operational workflows, and ambiguity, as well as a willingness to dive into details to ensure programs are deployable, supportable, and safe.

The ideal candidate has experience delivering complex, customer-facing technology programs and is comfortable operating at the intersection of hardware, software, operations, and aviation-adjacent compliance.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Own planning and execution of commercial UAS deployments, including dock-based remote operations programs

• Lead customer program development and handoff, ensuring operational readiness prior to steady-state operations

• Manage program scope, schedule, dependencies, and risks across hardware, software, and operational workstreams

• Partner with customers to define and implement:

  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

  • Safety Management Systems (SMS) inputs and operational controls

  • Maintenance concepts and support plans aligned with Skydio platforms

• Coordinate cross-functional execution with Mission Success, Support, Product, Engineering, and Operations teams

• Translate customer operational requirements into clear execution plans and internal deliverables

• Drive alignment between customer expectations and Skydio’s technical and operational capabilities

• Identify risks early (technical, operational, regulatory, or logistical) and actively manage mitigation plans

• Support go-to-market and commercial expansion activities as required, including pilots, early deployments, and scaled rollouts
  

What Makes You a Good Fit:

• Experience as a customer-facing Program Manager, Professional Services PM, or similar role delivering complex technical programs

• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-phase implementations involving hardware, software, and operational processes

• Strong project management fundamentals, including planning, dependency tracking, risk management, and execution tracking

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work directly with customer operators and internal technical teams

• Experience implementing new technology programs that require operational workflows, documentation, and training

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently resolve execution issues
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), robotics, or aviation-adjacent platforms

• Familiarity with dock-based or remote operations systems

• Experience supporting or developing:

  • SOPs for operational programs

  • SMS-aligned processes or safety documentation

  • Maintenance or sustainment plans for fielded systems

• Experience working with agile product or engineering teams in a customer-driven environment

• East Coast based preferred

• US Person required
  

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 $150,000-$180,000. 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.

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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 https://www.e-verify.gov/