Position Title / Department: Project Manager / Operations
Location: Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Reports to: Program Manager
Employment Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Company Description
PteroDynamics Inc. designs autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems that fly faster and go farther to reach remote locations without runways, even in harsh conditions. PteroDynamics' Transwing® aircraft is unlike any other VTOL system, performing like a great fixed-wing aircraft with superb VTOL capabilities. Transwing aircraft unfold their wings to transition smoothly and quickly between vertical and horizontal flight, overcoming limitations inherent in traditional VTOL designs by combining the speed, range, and endurance of fixed-wing aircraft with superior VTOL performance in an efficient, highly automated platform. The Transwing is ideal for automating time-sensitive delivery of critical high-value payloads to hard-to-reach locations, including maritime logistics support, payload delivery to remote locations without airstrips, and reconnaissance and surveillance. Seeing is believing. Visit PteroDynamics.com for details and videos.
Position Summary
PteroDynamics is seeking a skilled and experienced Project Manager to join our team. As a Project Manager collaborating with external customers (government and commercial), internal customers, and subcontractors, you will be responsible for managing the planning and successful execution of projects related to the development, manufacturing, and delivery of UAS/UAV systems. Your expertise in project management, knowledge of government regulations, and ability to navigate complex client requirements will be crucial in ensuring project success and customer satisfaction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
Lead and manage the end-to-end project lifecycle, from project initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, and scope
Coordinate with customers and other stakeholders to understand their specific needs, technical requirements, and project deliverables
Work with the Program Manager to determine project milestones, create detailed project plans and schedules, and develop associated communications documents
Oversee project timelines, dependencies, and milestones using appropriate tools and best practices
Define, monitor, and control project metrics to manage project progress and performance
Provide regular status updates to stakeholders, including clients and executive management
Proactively identify, communicate, and address adverse trends
Ensure resource availability and allocation throughout duration of project
Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, establishing and maintaining strong relationships and managing client expectations
Conduct project risk assessments, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively manage project risks, issues, and opportunities
Manage project budgets, track project costs, and ensure financial objectives are met
Ensure compliance with DoD regulations, contractual requirements, and relevant industry standards throughout the project lifecycle
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the company's internal teams, external customers, and subcontractors, ensuring alignment and addressing any conflicts or issues
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance project management processes and streamline workflows
Lead project post-mortem reviews, capturing lessons learned and implementing improvements for future projects
Interface with technical leads to gain a deep understanding of your projects
Continually learn and grow, enhancing your knowledge of your area and current trends in the industry, regulatory environment, and as a leader
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree; engineering or a related technical field is preferred
Proven experience as a project manager, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry
In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices
Experience in resource management, including budgets and financial analysis and reporting
Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels, including government clients, subcontractors, internal teams, and executive management
Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on fostering collaboration, accountability, and motivation
Solid organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex project challenges and stakeholder dynamics
Results-oriented mindset, with a focus on delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of clients
Familiarity with risk management principles and the ability to proactively identify and mitigate project risks
US Citizenship/Permanent Resident Status
Reliable transportation to get to work on time
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification highly desirable
Startup, early-staged, venture backed, fast-paced/high-growth environment experience with an ability to thrive with a high degree of uncertainty
Familiarity with government regulations and procurement processes
Experience in R&D and/or innovation-related activities
Understanding of engineering and manufacturing processes for UAV systems
Understanding of the aviation, air transport, and air traffic management strategic context and challenges
Experience with Agile methodology
Company Values
Framework for our Values:
People
Excellence
Accountability
Knowledge
People: We value relationships with our colleagues and customers while embracing and upholding the worth of every individual
Trust - we push down responsibility in decision making to the lowest level that makes sense, while maintaining accountability
Respect - we always maintain respect for ourselves and others
Communication - we encourage open communication and respect for all perspectives
Enjoyment - together, we create an environment that is fun and enjoyable
Excellence: We have a mindset of excellence at all times
Pursuit of Excellence - we are passionate about our work and strive for superior outcomes at all times
Incremental Approach to Success - We agree that bringing our best each day is important and that incremental improvement matters
Willingness to listen and learn - we believe success requires remaining humble, having an open mind, and listening to constructive input
Coaching - being a great teammate includes a willingness to be coached and taking the time to help others achieve excellence
Measuring Success - we measure our success not only by how much money we make but also by the satisfaction of our workforce and the value of the solutions we bring to the world
Accountability: We believe the foundation of trust is accountability
Collaboration - we recognize that our success depends on how well we work together
Personal Responsibility - we believe in holding ourselves accountable, starting with self-accountability, and including accountability to co-workers/teammates, and ultimately to our customers and our shareholders
Consistency - our happiness, productivity and ultimate success all require consistency from subordinates and managers alike
Professionalism - we believe that our attitude and approach to our work and how we handle ourselves are crucial and will be recognized by our peers and our customers
Courage - we do what is right and are not tempted to create shortcuts, avoid hard work, or do the wrong thing because it is easy or expeditious
Merit - hard work is recognized and rewarded
Knowledge: We believe that innovation and success depend on gaining, documenting and sharing knowledge
Knowledge Gain - we remain inquisitive and seek data and information to gain and build knowledge
Knowledge Sharing - we believe in the open sharing of information rather than having it exist in silos`
Knowledge Documentation
Customer Needs
What We Offer
At PteroDynamics, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of aerial technology through creativity and innovation. The company offers a comprehensive compensation package, which includes a competitive salary, stock options, company-sponsored medical insurance, dental, vision, term life insurance with an AD&D rider, 401(k) plan with up to 3% matching by the company, long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, paid sick time, and a collaborative inclusive working environment in an exciting, growing startup company.
Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
PteroDynamics is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. If you're ready to join us in reshaping the future of UAVs, we encourage you to apply for this position and bring your unique technical brilliance to our team.