VP of Programs

WORK LOCATION: Huntsville, AL, Chantilly, VA, San Luis Obispo, Remote

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $215,000 - $315,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment. 

SUMMARY

The Vice President of Programs provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization’s global unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program portfolio. This role oversees domestic and international program execution, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, customer requirements, and regulatory frameworks.

The VP of Programs is responsible for driving program excellence, scaling operational performance, and ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery across all programs. This includes leadership of Senior Directors and program teams, with accountability for program outcomes, financial performance, and organizational capability development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Oversight

• Define and execute the global program strategy for UAS/UAV initiatives, ensuring alignment with company objectives, growth strategy, and customer priorities.
• Oversee the full portfolio of programs across regions (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia, and Middle East), ensuring consistency, scalability, and operational excellence.
• Partner with executive leadership to translate business strategy into program execution plans and investment priorities.

Organizational Leadership

• Lead, develop, and mentor Senior Directors of Programs and broader program management teams across regions.
• Establish organizational structure, processes, and governance to support scalable program execution and growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Program Execution & Performance

• Ensure successful execution of programs across the full lifecycle, including cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive standardization of program management practices, tools, and reporting across all regions.
• Establish and monitor enterprise-level KPIs and dashboards to assess program health and inform executive decision-making.
• Further develop, refine, and mature company processes to ensure successful execution of program requirements and customer support.

Financial & Operational Accountability

• Own global program financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, margin management, and resource allocation.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency, profitability, and operational effectiveness across the program portfolio.
• Ensure appropriate resource planning and capacity management to meet program demands.
• Cross-Functional & External Partnerships
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, supply chain, compliance, and business development leaders to ensure integrated program execution.
• Serve as a key executive interface with customers, including government agencies, defense partners, and international stakeholders.
• Support business development efforts, including capture strategy, proposal development, and program transition to execution.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Oversee enterprise-level program risk management, ensuring identification, escalation, and mitigation of risks across regions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including FAA, DoD, ITAR/EAR, and international equivalents.
• Maintain audit readiness and adherence to contractual, legal, and governance requirements.
• Executive Communication
• Provide regular updates to executive leadership on program portfolio performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic priorities.
• Present program strategy, performance metrics, and operational insights to internal and external stakeholders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive experience in program management within aerospace and defense, including significant executive leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading large, complex, multi-site or international program portfolios.
• Demonstrated success overseeing UAS/UAV or similar advanced technology programs across both development and production environments.
• Strong understanding of global regulatory frameworks (e.g., FAA, DoD, ITAR/EAR, and international equivalents).
• Experience managing P&L or significant program budgets and delivering financial performance.
• Exceptional leadership capability with a track record of building and scaling high-performing teams.
• Executive-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience interfacing with customers and government entities.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strategic decision-making

EDGE AUTONOMY BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

EDGE AUTONOMY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Edge Autonomy is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.