Technical Program Manager

Darkhive does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. This role requires access to classified information or systems which mandates the eligibility to obtain and maintain a United States security clearance. United States citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

About Darkhive, LLC

Established in 2021, Darkhive is redefining the future of autonomous systems. We design and build next-generation hardware and software solutions that seamlessly integrate into critical public safety and defense networks. Our core focus centers on developing tactical, human-machine interfaces and scaling the mass production of affordable, attritable uncrewed systems alongside our government partners. At Darkhive, we are a high-growth team of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, and DevSecOps professionals. Above all, we are a mission-first culture. We believe that global teams operating on the front lines deserve high-quality, intelligent tools that ensure safety when each second counts. If you are a free-thinking problem solver looking to build cutting-edge robotics in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, apply with Darkhive today!

About the Role

• Partner directly with the Program Manager to align technical execution with contract deliverables, milestones, and customer expectations; while the PM manages budget and outward-facing communications, you own the "how" and "when" of technical delivery
• Lead scheduling and resource planning for hardware integration, engineering, production, validation, and other major development milestones
• Translate the technical roadmap into execution plans, aligning engineering development, manufacturing readiness, supply chain, quality, and operations into a single plan and ensuring delivery stays aligned with both the roadmap and program milestones
• Track technical risks, dependencies, and blockers; drive mitigation plans and escalate proactively to company and program leadership before deliverable timelines are impacted
• Coordinate across cross-functional stakeholders (engineering, quality, supply chain, operations, and subcontractors) to keep execution synchronized
• Facilitate technical decision-making and trade-off discussions, ensuring decisions are documented and traceable to program requirements
• Support proposal, technical volume, or task order planning efforts as needed, providing technical scoping and estimation
• Work cross-functionally to track resources and critical dependencies such as long-lead procurement, tooling, production capacity, qualification testing, and supplier readiness

This is a full-time exempt, non-supervisory role reporting to the VP, Technical Program Management. This role is remote with travel up to 2 weeks per quarter.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related technical field
• 7+ years of technical program management, manufacturing program management, and/or systems integration experience
• Strong understanding of hardware product development and manufacturing lifecycles with experience managing complex hardware development programs from concept through production
• Aerospace, robotics, defense, automotive, or autonomous systems experience
• Demonstrated experience in multiple program management methodologies
• Experience with managing/leading integration of software and hardware systems in a professional environment
• Strong technical fluency to enable engaging credibly with engineers on architecture, technical risk, and trade-offs, even if not hands-on developing day-to-day
• Experience managing timelines and dependencies across multiple workstreams or cross-functional teams, including subcontractors
• Experience with program/project tooling (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Lucidchart, Monday.com, Asana) for tracking and visualization
• Strong communication skills including experience with executive-level communication and ability to translate technical concepts clearly

Bonus Qualifications

• PMP, SAFe, Agile, and/or Scrum certification
• Experience with project management for government contracts
• Experience working in a startup environment
• Experience running Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, standups, retros, release planning) for engineering teams
• An active security clearance

Physical and/or Mental Requirements

• Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time
• Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations
• Ability to maintain awareness during business hours
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds
• Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language
• Learns and memorizes routine tasks

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plans
• 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance premiums
• Automatic 401k employer contribution with vesting
• Paid vacation and personal time off
• 11 Paid holidays
• 5 days of sick leave
• Stock options
• Welcoming and friendly work environment
• Respect of work-life balance