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Program Management Office Director

San Luis Obispo, California

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

Position Summary 
The Program Management Office (PMO) Director is responsible for establishing and leading the program management discipline across the company. This role ensures that programs are executed with clarity, rigor, and speed—enabling predictable delivery, cross-functional alignment, and efficient use of resources. The PMO Director builds the frameworks, systems, and culture that allow Technical Program Managers (TPMs) and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to operate with excellence. 

The ideal candidate is a systems thinker with deep experience in complex hardware/software development programs (preferably aerospace, defense, or robotics), brings a bias toward delivering results, and thrives in an environment that values transparency, collaboration, and bold execution. 

Responsibilities 

  • Establish and continuously improve the company’s program management frameworks, standards, and governance. 
  • Drive a consistent operating rhythm across all programs (IPT standups, risk reviews, gate reviews, executive syncs). 
  • Monitor overall program health, risks, resource loading, and cross-program dependencies; ensure timely escalation and resolution. 
  • Build, maintain, and enforce high-quality integrated schedules, WBS structures, and cost/schedule baselines. 
  • Develop enterprise-level dashboards and execution metrics to enable real-time visibility for leadership. 
  • Ensure IPTs operate effectively with clear charters, RACIs, communication paths, and integration with functional teams. 
  • Strengthen change control, configuration management, requirements traceability, and risk-management practices. 
  • Align PMO processes with AS6500, AS9100, MIL-STD-881, and customer program requirements. 
  • Hire, develop, and mentor TPMs and Planners; build a strong program management culture. 
  • Foster values-driven execution—clarity, transparency, urgency, cross-functional collaboration, and Extreme Ownership. 

Qualifications 

Basic expectations for this role include a minimum of, 

  • 10+ years of program management experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary hardware or aerospace/defense programs. 
  • 5+ years of leadership experience managing Engineering Program Managers, Technical Program Managers, or Program Management Offices. 
  • Demonstrated success delivering programs from concept through production and fielding. 
  • Strong command of program management fundamentals: scheduling, tasking, WBS development, risk management, cost/schedule integration, EVMS concepts, configuration management, etc. 
  • Experience with IPT structures and matrix organizations. 
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate at executive and engineering levels. 
  • Ability to build trust, drive alignment, and hold teams accountable. 
  • U.S. Citizenship 
  • Active clearance or ability to maintain one 

Our ideal candidate has, 

  • Experience with military programs, government contracting, or highly regulated systems. 
  • Familiarity with AS6500, AS9100, MIL-STD-881, and Agile Development. 
  • Prior startup, rapid-development, or high-growth environment experience. 
  • PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent certification. 
  • Experience building a PMO from scratch or transforming an existing one. 

Pay range for this role

$225,000 - $260,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits: 

  • Competitive total compensation package 
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match 
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

Note about our Texas roles: we are in the process of opening a location on the mid-west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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