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Staff Program Manager Software & Autonomy
Job Location:
Job Location:
San Diego, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 164000 - 195000
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
8 November 2026 (16 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
5 February 2027
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Who We Are
At Firestorm we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive too slow to produce and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that.
We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell our deployable microfactory our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable adaptable and producible at the point of need.
We are looking for builders operators and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact.
About the Role
The Staff Program Manager Software & Autonomy leads the planning and execution of software and autonomy programs for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) delivered to defense customers. This role owns cost schedule and technical performance for software-intensive efforts including flight software autonomy and mission software ground control systems and integration with hardware platforms. The Senior PM translates operational needs into executable software roadmaps aligns engineering test and production teams and serves as the primary customer interface for software and autonomy deliverables.
What Youll Do
- Own end-to-end execution of software and autonomy programs including cost schedule technical performance and customer satisfaction
- Build and maintain program plans integrated master schedules (IMS) and software release roadmaps aligned to contract milestones
- Manage program budgets EAC/ETC and variance analysis and keep leadership informed of financial health
- Lead software development lifecycle planning from requirements through release integration and sustainment
- Coordinate software autonomy systems engineering flight test and manufacturing teams to ensure hardware/software integration and on-time delivery
- Translate customer and operator needs into prioritized requirements and capability increments and redirect effort when stated requests differ from operational requirements
- Plan and support software test events flight demonstrations and operator feedback activities and drive feedback into the development backlog
- Manage software CDRLs and documentation such as Software Development Plans (SDPs) Software Version Descriptions (SVDs) and test reports
- Ensure software programs meet cybersecurity export control (ITAR) and applicable airworthiness and safety requirements
- Identify track and mitigate program risks and issues and escalate with options and recommendations
- Serve as primary point of contact for government customers including COR PM and end users and lead program reviews
- Mentor junior program managers and support continuous improvement of Program Office processes
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Computer Science Software Engineering Aerospace or Electrical Engineering or related technical field
- 8 years of program or project management experience including at least 4 years managing software-intensive programs
- Experience managing programs for DoD or other defense customers including CDRLs contract milestones and customer reviews
- Demonstrated experience with Agile software development methods and tools (e.g. Jira Confluence) and with integrating Agile execution into an IMS
- Strong command of program financial management including budgets EAC/ETC and cost and schedule variance analysis
- Working knowledge of software development lifecycle configuration management and release management
- Excellent communication skills including briefing executives and government customers
- U.S. citizenship as required for ITAR-controlled work and security clearance eligibility
Preferred Qualifications
- Active Secret clearance or higher
- Experience with UAS autonomy robotics or flight software programs
- Familiarity with autonomy architectures open standards and ground control software
- Experience with EVM and program control tools
- PMP PMI-ACP or Scaled Agile (SAFe) certification
- Experience in a fast-paced startup or rapid-scaling defense technology environment
Work Environment
Based at our Headquarters in San Diego CA. We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate
Compensation
US Salary Range: $164000 - $195000 USD
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors including but not limited to relevant experience education certifications specialized skills geographic location and business needs. Actual compensation may vary and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.
Benefits & Perks
Our culture fosters collaboration respect and trust empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
- We offer comprehensive medical dental and visions plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Equity grants for new hires
- Unlimited PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in November & December
- Generous Parental Leave
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- FSA
- DCFSA
- HSA
- Hospital Indemnity insurance
- Critical Illness insurance
- Accident insurance
- Basic Life/AD&D short-term and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family
- Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services such as free legal and financial support are available to you as well
Export Control Compliance
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) you must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and upholding equitable hiring practices. All 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 any other characteristic under federal state or local law including those with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities women Veterans and those with disabilities to apply and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.
Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process please dont hesitate to reach out to us atso we can provide the support you need.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
