Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.
About the Role
Skydio is seeking a customer-obsessed Program Manager to drive adoption, operationalization, and mission success for Skydio Dock programs across the U.S. Air Force.
In this role, you will serve as the primary liaison between Skydio and Air Force stakeholders, enabling the successful deployment, operational integration, and scaled adoption of autonomous drone operations. You will own program execution from planning through operational adoption, ensuring customers realize measurable mission value while managing timelines, technical dependencies, risks, and stakeholder alignment.
Success in this role requires a blend of program leadership, technical acumen, and customer engagement, coupled with a relentless focus on mission outcomes. You will work directly with operators, installation leadership, communications and cybersecurity teams, and program stakeholders while partnering internally with Product, Engineering, Operations, Sales, and Support to deliver exceptional customer outcomes.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys solving complex operational challenges, and is passionate about bringing cutting-edge technology into real-world mission environments.
How You'll Make an Impact
Own the successful deployment, operational adoption, and long-term success of Skydio Dock programs across Air Force installations.
Build trusted relationships across operational units, program offices, installation leadership, and enterprise stakeholders.
Lead planning, integration, testing, training, and fielding activities to ensure mission-ready operations and successful customer outcomes.
Drive customer adoption by removing barriers, delivering operational wins, and ensuring customers realize measurable mission and operational value.
Serve as the voice of the customer, translating operational requirements and field feedback into actionable priorities for Product and Engineering teams.
Coordinate Product, Engineering, Operations, Sales, and Support teams to execute customer commitments, mitigate risks, and deliver exceptional outcomes.
Develop scalable implementation frameworks, documentation, and best practices that accelerate adoption across the Air Force enterprise.
Identify opportunities to expand mission applications, increase utilization, and drive long-term customer success and account growth.
What Makes You a Good Fit
Experience leading customer-facing programs, technology deployments, or operational capability fielding efforts within the U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, or defense technology industry.
Proven track record delivering complex hardware and software solutions from planning through operational adoption.
Ability to establish credibility and build trusted relationships with operators, technical teams, acquisition stakeholders, and senior leaders.
Strong technical aptitude with the ability to quickly learn new systems and navigate complex integration challenges.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while balancing customer expectations, technical constraints, and business priorities.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
Experience working with Air Force program offices, operational units, installation support organizations, communications squadrons, cybersecurity teams, or acquisition stakeholders is highly desirable.
Experience with unmanned systems, autonomy, enterprise software, secure networks, mission systems, or other defense technologies preferred.
Requirements
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Willingness to travel up to 40% to support customer deployments, operational engagements, and program execution.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.
Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $125,000 - $150,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.
*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.
At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
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 other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/