Director of Fleet Programs, Long Endurance UAS

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.

About the role

The Director of Fleet Programs will provide the leadership needed to establish, maintain, and grow the long endurance unmanned aerial system (UAS) fleet to provide services to operational clients. This role requires a leader and builder capable of assembling internal and external stakeholders to energize a growing market segment for the business line. The Director will report to the Executive Vice President of Long Endurance ISR and manage the Long Endurance ISR business unit’s fleet of long endurance UAS with the goal of establishing and executing programs with these assets.

The role will coordinate between business unit leadership, engineering, flight operations, test, supply chain, and finance to establish the fleet, personnel, and processes to achieve financial, schedule, technical, and client relationship/growth objectives. The successful candidate must have a strong full lifecycle operational and business discipline background along with experience executing projects in the Aerospace and Defense industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment, maintenance, and growth of the long endurance UAS fleet to deliver contracted ISR services.
• Coordinate between business unit leadership, engineering, flight operations, test, supply chain, and finance to meet financial, schedule, technical, and client objectives.
• Manage large teams working on multiple parallel efforts, including teams stationed outside of the United States.
• Oversee critical subcontractors including evaluation, selection, scoping, and technical execution.
• Own program execution plans, schedules, and budgets across all phases from conceptual design to manufacturing, delivery, and sustainment.
• Travel as needed for customer meetings, demonstrations, and business development activities (up to 10%).
• Provide critical project updates to clients, staff, and executive leadership.
• Prepare Master Phasing Schedules, Program Execution Schedule, Staffing Plan, Work Breakdown Structure, and Financial Execution Plan.
• Prepare and present monthly technical and financial program reports to senior and executive management, including Earned Value Metrics (EVM).
• Lead proposal development, including technical volume and cost volume basis of estimates.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10+ years of industry experience as a Program Manager with a minimum of 5 years as a Senior Program Manager.
• Experience managing COCO (Contractor-Owned Contractor-Operated) operations to provide contracted ISR services to clients.
• Experience managing a fleet of internally owned Group 4-5 UAS.
• Experience building a COCO cost model for ISR Services.
• Drive the timely delivery of multi-faceted, complex programs where speed to market is critical for commercial success.
• Proven ability to manage large teams and cultivate cooperation in a matrixed organization.
• Expert knowledge of the entire Microsoft Office Professional Suite, including Project.
• Positive, “can-do” attitude and talent for leading people and building customer relationships.
• Bachelor's degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) or Business.
• Skilled in the use of IT tools, including ERP, MRP, and Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Experience in proposal generation and capture.
• Experience managing a range of concurrent engineering design projects.
• High-level of EVM (Earned Value Management) competency.
• High level of scheduling skills (Agile program management methodology a plus).
• Specific demonstrated experience in leading management of Group 4-5 UAS fleet for COCO; GOCO (Government-Owned Contractor-Operated) experience highly desired.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of Critical Chain Project Management, Earned Value, and other project controls methods in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
• Experience across the product lifecycle.
• Experience in enterprise resourcing and planning tools.
• Exposure to multi-disciplinary engineering functions.
• Ability to interpret engineering technical drawings, work instructions, and test procedures.
• Aerospace or Defense Contractor industry experience.
• Experience establishing experimental airworthiness for a large UAS.
• Experience managing a flight test program for internally owned assets.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package (base dental, vision, life, accident, disability fully covered by DZYNE).
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with employer match and immediate vesting.

Pay

Salary: $190,000 to $223,000 annually, depending on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and other factors. Eligible for an annual bonus.

Schedule

Hybrid work arrangement.

Working Conditions

The diversity of work conditions may range from an office environment to warehousing to potentially austere testing sites. Physical demands include the ability to stoop, stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs, crouch, reach, and move between departments, floors, and worksites. May involve heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors.

This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including ITAR. Employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations. 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.