Technical Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

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. Please note that 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!

In the Technical Program Manager role, you will:

• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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
• Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position

Selection Process:

• Hiring team reviews applications
• 20-minute pre-screen with Darkhive recruiter
• 30-minute phone screen with the hiring manager
• Take home project
• In-person or video interview with hiring team

Benefits Darkhive offers:

• 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

Darkhive is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.