Program Manager, Homeland Air Defense

Anduril Industries•Irvine, CA

About The Position

Our Air Defense team is responsible for developing and fielding CUAS capabilities around the world. We are seeking a Program Manager to join our growing team focused on protecting critical national security assets within the United States. This role is designed for a strong operator who will help scale our domestic, civilian, and commercial deployments. Operating CUAS capabilities inside the United States requires a combination of technical rigor, operational excellence, and regulatory awareness. Our systems must integrate seamlessly with civilian airspace operations while meeting federal, state, and local legal authorities governing counter-drone activity. Our customers depend on precise execution, regulatory compliance, and professional fielding in environments where safety, legal authority, and public trust are paramount. This role is responsible for driving program execution to protect critical infrastructure, government facilities, and commercial sites. You will serve as the operational expert for domestic Air Defense deployments—ensuring systems, personnel, training, documentation, and regulatory requirements are aligned for mission success. You will build repeatable deployment processes, manage cross-functional coordination, and serve as the connective tissue between technical teams and customers. You will operate at the intersection of technology development, operational deployment, and customer engagement - serving as a key integrator across teams and ensuring the program executes effectively and efficiently at scale. You will directly support program cost, schedule, risk management, executive reporting, and strategic execution. This role is ideal for an operator who thrives in ambiguity, is comfortable in front of customers and executives, wants to scale at speed, and build long-term sustainable operations.

Requirements

6+ years of experience in deployment operations, defense programs, aerospace systems, logistics, or technical project management
Demonstrated experience managing complex, cross-functional programs involving hardware and software systems in high-stakes or regulated environments
Experience working with domestic government entities, critical infrastructure operators, or regulated commercial customers
Strong operational rigor—ability to build structured plans, manage concurrent workstreams, and execute against tight timelines
Proven ability to cut through ambiguity and drive cross-functional alignment without formal authority
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; comfortable briefing senior leadership and customer executives
Willingness to travel up to 30% as program and deployment needs require
Eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the domestic CUAS operating environment with direct experience work on sensor networks, autonomy, or ISR platforms
Knowledge of FAA coordination, regulatory compliance, and operational integration within civilian infrastructure
Prior experience in a Deputy Program Manager, Program Analyst, or Technical Program Management role
Familiarity with domestic airspace regulations, FAA coordination, or CUAS legal frameworks
Background in DoD, DHS, or critical infrastructure protection programs
Experience scaling operations from early-stage deployments to sustained production and fielding
MBA or advanced degree in Business, Public Policy, Engineering, or a related technical discipline

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain program execution frameworks, milestones, and reporting structures to ensure alignment across technical and operational teams
Drive program coordination across engineering, product, growth, compliance, and supply chain
Develop executive-level reporting, dashboards, and briefings to communicate program health and progress to leadership
Identify program risks early and drive mitigation strategies across technical and operational stakeholders
Ensure program execution aligns with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks governing domestics CUAS operations
Coordinate with regulatory and policy stakeholders to support deployments operating within FAA, DHS, and other relevant authorities
Serve as subject matter expert to ensure operational concepts and deployment strategies reflect real-world legal and regulatory constraints as well as operational realities
Oversee planning and coordination of CUAS deployments — from planning and logistics through on-site activation to long-term sustainment
Develop structured deployment plans, readiness gates, and operational checklists to ensure repeatable execution
Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver mission-ready capabilities to customer sites
Lead after-action reviews and capture lessons learned to continuously improve deployment velocity and quality
Serve as senior program representative during key deployments and operational activities
Ensure clear, proactive communication across internal stakeholders and external customers
Drive stakeholder alignment across technical, operational, and regulatory teams to ensure program decisions are made quickly, transparently, and in support of mission success
Ensure coordination between program leadership, field operations, and customer stakeholders to maintain readiness and program credibility

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Annual reimbursement for professional development
Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Available depending on role eligibility.
Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
Pension plan with employer match.
Superannuation plan.