Lead planning, execution, and oversight of complex aerospace system development and integration. Manage schedules, scope, and technical deliverables; coordinate cross-functional engineering teams; oversee hardware integration, software testing, and safety-critical verification; ensure regulatory compliance; maintain technical documentation; mitigate schedule risks; and evaluate AI-assisted scheduling and resource-planning tools.
The Senior Technical Project Manager will apply engineering and project management principles to plan, execute, and oversee the development and integration of complex aerospace systems. This position requires a strong understanding of the aerospace domain and technical expertise in managing complex engineering projects.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage project plans, scope, and schedules for the development and testing of aerospace systems.
- Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts to define technical deliverables and ensure successful execution of engineering tasks.
- Lead day-to-day technical operations, including hardware integration, software testing, and safety-critical system verification.
- Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams to identify and resolve technical challenges during development and testing phases.
- Proactively identify and mitigate schedule risks by leveraging technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
- Oversee the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, including system design records, testing protocols, and milestone tracking.
- Ensure compliance with aviation regulatory requirements and standards.
- Utilize project management tools to align resources and schedules across teams.
- Evaluate and pilot AI-assisted scheduling and resource-planning tools, assessing fit for the team's workflows.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related technical field.
- 5+ years of professional experience managing technical projects in aerospace, aviation, or related engineering fields.
- Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Project, Jira, Smartsheet, Wrike).
- Exceptional leadership and organizational skills, with acute attention to detail.
- Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to create professional presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to work onsite Monday through Friday across two nearby California locations, while supporting remote staff at the Nevada and Ohio offices.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in engineering or project management.
- Experience managing programs through the full development lifecycle, including design reviews (PDR/CDR), integration, and test.
- Track record of deploying project management or resource-planning tools that measurably improved schedule visibility and cross-team coordination.
- Familiarity with applying AI tools to scheduling, resource planning, or documentation workflows.
- Certifications such as PMP, CAPM, or similar project management credentials.
What We Offer!
- Relocation assistance
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
- Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
- Parental leave
- Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
- Monthly wellness stipend
- Monthly cell phone stipend
- Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
- Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
- Criminal background check clearance
- Drug test clearance wherever applicable
SMS Text Messaging (10DLC Compliance)
LTA RESEARCH may communicate with applicants and users via SMS (text messaging) for purposes related to job applications, interview scheduling, and other recruitment updates. By providing your phone number through our application or contact forms, you consent to receive such communications.
We do not use SMS for marketing purposes, and we will never sell, rent, or share your phone number with third parties for their promotional use.
Message Frequency & Opt-Out:
Message frequency may vary depending on your application status. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. For assistance, reply HELP.
Consent & Privacy:
Your consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of employment. All data collected through text messaging is handled accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, ensuring your personal information is kept secure and confidential.
LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
LTA Sunnyvale, California, USA Office
Sunnyvale, CA, United States
Similar Jobs
Cloud • Fintech • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software • App development • Generative AI
Lead and architect large-scale AI and automation programs, set Agile delivery models, manage end-to-end delivery from concept to production, oversee AI-specific risks and governance, influence senior leadership on AI strategy, and drive innovation and adoption across the organization.
Top Skills:
AgileAWSAzureGCPKanbanScrum
AdTech • Artificial Intelligence • Marketing Tech • Software • Analytics
Lead end-to-end delivery of client-facing CRM marketing technical projects. Define scope, schedules, and governance; coordinate cross-functional teams; manage risks, budgets, and stakeholder communications; support Product Owner and drive process improvements to ensure on-time, on-budget, high-quality launches.
Top Skills:
CdpCRMDashboard ToolsEmailGreenhopperJIRAMS OfficeMicrosoft ProjectRallyResource GuruSmsVersiononeVisio
AdTech • Artificial Intelligence • Marketing Tech • Software • Analytics
Lead end-to-end delivery of CRM-focused, client-facing technical projects. Define scope, schedules, and governance; coordinate cross-functional technical and client teams; manage risks, budgets, and quality; drive process improvements and stakeholder communications from initiation through closeout.
Top Skills:
CdpCRMDashboard ToolsData IntegrationDatabaseEmailExcelGreenhopperJIRAMicrosoft ProjectPowerPointRallyResource GuruSmsVersiononeVisioZeta Marketing Platform (Zmp)
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
