Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.

The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.

About The Role We are seeking a Director of Program Management to lead and scale program execution across our aircraft development portfolio, from early design and prototyping through flight test and initial production. This role operates at the nexus of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and executive leadership, with end-to-end accountability for delivering complex aerospace programs on schedule, within scope, and aligned to company priorities.

This is a hands-on leadership role, not a reporting-only function. You will set the program execution cadence, establish operating rigor, and work directly with engineering leads, test teams, and executives to translate technical ambition into predictable delivery. As the organization scales, this role will define how programs are run across the company.

What You’ll Do

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading program management for complex hardware-intensive systems, preferably in aerospace or adjacent regulated industries
• Direct experience supporting aircraft, UAVs, or aerospace vehicle development programs (manned or unmanned)
• Deep understanding of engineering development lifecycles, including design, build, test, iterate, and transition to production
• Demonstrated ownership of cross-functional technical programs with real delivery accountability and schedule ownership
• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-changing environments with incomplete or evolving requirements
• Strong executive communication skills, with experience presenting program status, risks, and tradeoffs to senior leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or supporting flight test campaigns, certification efforts, or production ramp-ups
• Background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Familiarity with earned value concepts, risk management frameworks, and integrated master scheduling, applied pragmatically
• Experience in startups, skunkworks, or rapid prototyping environments
• Active or eligible security clearance (if applicable)

What We Offer

• Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k
• PTO and Paid Sick Time
• Monthly Wellness Stipend
• Daily catered lunch to office
• Paid Parental leave
• Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
• World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems

Compensation Range

• $200,000 - $280,000+ Equity

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.

To conform to U.S. Government controlled technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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 eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.