Program Manager- Unmanned Systems

Location: Petah Tikva (IL)

Experience Level: Intermediate

Description

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager with a strong technical background to lead complex, multidisciplinary development programs in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and multirotor domain. In this role, you will serve as the primary interface for customer engagement, translating operational needs into actionable technical plans for internal R&D teams and sub-contractors. You will drive program execution end-to-end, managing work plans, budgets, procurement requirements, and resource allocation to ensure successful delivery.

This role calls for a rare combination of strategic planning, matrix leadership, disciplined execution, and creative problem-solving—along with the willingness to roll up your sleeves and dive into technical details whenever needed.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Ownership: Drive program execution across the full lifecycle—from requirement mapping and concept definition through R&D, integration, field trials, delivery, and customer acceptance.
• Stakeholder & Customer Interface: Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, sub-contractors, and internal leadership, ensuring transparent communication, expectations alignment, and issue resolution.
• Program Planning & Governance: Establish structured execution roadmaps, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and management cadences (Integrated Program Team meetings, status reviews, and action tracking).
• Matrix Leadership: Lead multidisciplinary technical teams, aligning functional managers around shared goals while delegating clear ownership and accountability.
• Resource & Risk Management: Own program budgets, forecasts, resources, schedules, scope changes, and risk mitigation strategies to address capability gaps promptly.
• Lifecycle Reviews & Verification: Plan and lead formal design reviews, readiness gates, system integration, field trials, and demonstrations in close collaboration with engineering and operations.
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain an accurate "source of truth" for program data, delivering concise, decision-oriented updates and progress reports to executive leadership.

Requirements

• Education: B.Sc. in Engineering or a relevant technical.
• Experience: 5+ years managing complex, multidisciplinary programs in unmanned/aerial systems, integrating hardware and software across the full program lifecycle.
• Leadership & Matrix Management: Proven ability to lead and align cross-functional teams in a matrix environment, delegating effectively while driving ownership and accountability.
• Execution & Ownership: End-to-end management of program scope, schedules, budgets, resources, risks, procurement, and customer deliverables.
• Technical & Systems Acumen: Deep technical understanding with the ability to challenge assumptions, facilitate engineering trade-offs, and translate CONOPS and contracts into executable work plans.
• Lifecycle & Field Testing: Hands-on experience leading formal design reviews, system integration, verification, field tests, and customer acceptance processes.
• Problem Solving & Agility: Strong analytical and root-cause analysis skills; highly adaptable with creative, breakthrough thinking to resolve technical and operational challenges.
• Communication & Resilience: Exceptional communication and negotiation skills (Hebrew & English); resilient, thriving in high-tempo environments with incomplete information.
• Tools & Flexibility: Proficient with Jira, Confluence, and MS Project (or equivalent); available for non-standard hours to support field tests and deployments.

Advantages:

• Industry Experience: Background in the defense industry or direct experience working with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD), DDR&D (MAFAT), or the IDF.
• Domain Expertise: Hands-on familiarity with the drone and unmanned systems ecosystem.
• Advanced Education: M.Sc. in Engineering, MBA, or an equivalent advanced degree.
• Professional Certification: PMP or equivalent project/program management certification.