Senior Project Manager – UAS Manufacturing

About DZYNE

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.

Position Title: Senior Project Manager – UAS Manufacturing

Location: Irvine, CA

Position Summary

DZYNE has an immediate need for a talented Senior Project Manager for UAS Manufacturing who will join our industry-leading team at our Irvine, CA location. The Senior Project Manager for UAS Manufacturing provides leadership on assigned new product introduction (NPI) efforts and acts to achieve schedule, manufacturing readiness, production ramp, and cross-functional alignment objectives.

Required Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the development of manufacturing readiness plans, schedules, and integrated execution strategies for new product introduction programs
• Participate in all phases of New Product Introduction (NPI) activity - from early prototype builds through LRIP and manufacturing ramp-up
• Cook up cross-functional execution across Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Design Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Supply Chain
• Facilitate large team planning sessions to establish scope, dependencies, resource requirements, and key milestones
• Prepare and maintain detailed project schedules; identify critical path, risks to schedule, and lead-time reduction opportunities
• Conduct project risk analysis and drive mitigation actions
• Work with functional managers to forecast and allocate resources across multiple concurrent projects
• Ensure completion and integration of manufacturing-related deliverables, including process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, tooling/test readiness, and supplier readiness milestones
• Report project status, risks, and mitigation plans to senior and executive leadership
• Promote a positive, “can-do” attitude and collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization
• Work with product teams to transition development hardware into rate production environments
• Represent Manufacturing Program Management in cross-functional forums, readiness reviews, and gate discussions

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Strong understanding of manufacturing readiness, production ramp planning, and operational project controls
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced Aerospace or Defense environment
• Demonstrated ability to interpret manufacturing and engineering data, including BOMs, process documentation, and supplier deliverables
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and operational scheduling systems
• Ability to translate complex technical and operational concepts into clear communication for diverse audiences
• Familiarity with NPI frameworks, structured problem-solving methods, and manufacturing engineering practices
• Ability to maintain focus and execution discipline under high demand and rapidly changing conditions

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

• PMP certification preferred but not required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related technical fields preferred
• Aerospace or Defense Contractor industry experience highly preferred

Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Project Management, Operations Project Management, Manufacturing Readiness, NPI, or similar roles driving hardware into production

Clearance Level Required: None

Travel Required: Up to 10%

Working Conditions

The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities.

Physical Demands

• Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.

Pay Range

$150,000 - $175,000

Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus.

Benefits

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.