{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"2dd5a731b64a0e1bf938e4db","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/2dd5a731b64a0e1bf938e4db","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/2dd5a731b64a0e1bf938e4db","title":"Program Manager","description":"About Aventra\r\nAventra Defense Systems is a defense technology company developing and delivering autonomous aerial systems for the U.S. government and allied partners. We operate at the intersection of advanced hardware, software, and national security — designing, building, and fielding systems that perform in the world’s most demanding environments.We are a mission-driven team moving at startup speed with defense-grade accountability. Our programs span contracted deliveries, government demonstrations, and ongoing system development — and our pace reflects the urgency of the problems we’re solving.Position Overview & Key ResponsibilitiesPosition Overview\r\nWe are seeking a dynamic Program Manager to serve as a key operational partner to our executive team in the development, production, and delivery of the Aventra’s high altitude systems, payloads, unmanned systems and services to the US Department of Defense and allied partners. This multifaceted role requires a versatile professional who can seamlessly transition between engineering support, software development, government customer engagement, and hands‑on troubleshooting. The ideal candidate thrives in a defense contracting environment where mission success is paramount and enjoys the challenge of wearing multiple hats to support critical defense capabilities.Key Responsibilities\r\nProgram Management & OperationsSupport executive team in strategic planning and execution across all aspects of Program management of multiple product lines and customersCoordinate cross-functional activities between engineering, manufacturing, contracts, and program delivery teamsManage project timelines, resource allocation, and milestone tracking in accordance with DoD acquisition processesFacilitate communication between internal teams and government stakeholdersSupport contract compliance and reporting requirementsTechnical & Engineering SupportCollaborate with engineering teams on design reviews, testing protocols, and performance optimizationAssist in troubleshooting technical issues during development, testing, and field operationsSupport flight testing activities and data analysis for both internal and government demonstration eventsContribute to technical documentation, specifications, and government deliverablesGovernment Customer EngagementInterface with US DoD customers, program officers, and end users during technical discussions and demonstrationsProvide technical support to military units during delivery and operational testingGather operational feedback and translate customer requirements into actionable development itemsSupport government demonstrations, military exercises, and capability assessmentsField Operations & Mission SupportOccasional travel domestically and internationally for customer support, demonstrations, and field testingConduct on-site troubleshooting and technical support at designated test locationsAssist with government acceptance testing and delivery activitiesQualifications\r\nCore QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management or related technical field6-8+ years of experience in defense contracting, program management, or government customer supportStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail required for government workExcellent written and verbal communication skills for government reporting and briefingsAbility to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a regulated environmentValid driver's license and ability to travel domestically and internationallyAbility to obtain and maintain a US government security clearanceDefense Industry ExperienceUnderstanding of DoD acquisition processes and contract requirementsExperience with government technical documentation and reporting standardsKnowledge of defense contracting regulations (FAR/DFARS)Experience with multiple different GOV Acquisitions and program management / Contracting frameworks (DODI 5000.2, 5000.87, IDIQs, OTA, Etc)Experience interfacing with military personnel and government program managersUnderstanding of government testing and evaluation processesInternational defense cooperation experience (preferred)Technical SkillsExperience with project management tools and methodologies (preferably in defense context)Familiarity with unmanned systems, Robotics, High altitude systems, or Aviation related fieldsHigh proficiency in Google productivity suiteBasic understanding of engineering principles and military technical documentationExperience with data analysis and government reporting requirements$145,000 - $205,000 a yearCompensation PackageCompetitive salary commensurate with experienceGenerous health coverage for employee and family, premium fully covered4% 401k matchPTO and Sick LeaveTravel & Work Environment\r\nTravel RequirementsTravel up to 25% to customer sites, and field test locationsAbility to work in austere field conditions and military operational environmentsFlexibility to support urgent operational requirements and schedule changesWork EnvironmentIn-person role based in Herndon, VACollaborative environment supporting critical national security missionsDirect support to warfighter capabilities and mission successAventra Defense Systems, Inc is a venture-backed startup building scalable, precision-guided capabilities for the next generation of combat. We are assembling a team of engineers and operators who believe in speed, simplicity, and delivering real capability to the field—not just PowerPoint slides.#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Lever","rawCompany":"lever","city":"Herndon","state":"VA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-10-07T01:57:05.317Z","occupations":[{"code":"13-1082.00","title":"Project Management Specialists","slug":"project-management-specialists"},{"code":"11-9041.00","title":"Architectural and Engineering Managers","slug":"architectural-and-engineering-managers"},{"code":"15-1299.09","title":"Information Technology Project Managers","slug":"information-technology-project-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"928110","title":"National Security","slug":"national-security"},{"code":"541512","title":"Computer Systems Design Services","slug":"computer-systems-design-services"},{"code":"541511","title":"Custom Computer Programming Services","slug":"custom-computer-programming-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Program Manager","description":"About Aventra\r\nAventra Defense Systems is a defense technology company developing and delivering autonomous aerial systems for the U.S. government and allied partners. We operate at the intersection of advanced hardware, software, and national security — designing, building, and fielding systems that perform in the world’s most demanding environments.We are a mission-driven team moving at startup speed with defense-grade accountability. Our programs span contracted deliveries, government demonstrations, and ongoing system development — and our pace reflects the urgency of the problems we’re solving.Position Overview & Key ResponsibilitiesPosition Overview\r\nWe are seeking a dynamic Program Manager to serve as a key operational partner to our executive team in the development, production, and delivery of the Aventra’s high altitude systems, payloads, unmanned systems and services to the US Department of Defense and allied partners. This multifaceted role requires a versatile professional who can seamlessly transition between engineering support, software development, government customer engagement, and hands‑on troubleshooting. The ideal candidate thrives in a defense contracting environment where mission success is paramount and enjoys the challenge of wearing multiple hats to support critical defense capabilities.Key Responsibilities\r\nProgram Management & OperationsSupport executive team in strategic planning and execution across all aspects of Program management of multiple product lines and customersCoordinate cross-functional activities between engineering, manufacturing, contracts, and program delivery teamsManage project timelines, resource allocation, and milestone tracking in accordance with DoD acquisition processesFacilitate communication between internal teams and government stakeholdersSupport contract compliance and reporting requirementsTechnical & Engineering SupportCollaborate with engineering teams on design reviews, testing protocols, and performance optimizationAssist in troubleshooting technical issues during development, testing, and field operationsSupport flight testing activities and data analysis for both internal and government demonstration eventsContribute to technical documentation, specifications, and government deliverablesGovernment Customer EngagementInterface with US DoD customers, program officers, and end users during technical discussions and demonstrationsProvide technical support to military units during delivery and operational testingGather operational feedback and translate customer requirements into actionable development itemsSupport government demonstrations, military exercises, and capability assessmentsField Operations & Mission SupportOccasional travel domestically and internationally for customer support, demonstrations, and field testingConduct on-site troubleshooting and technical support at designated test locationsAssist with government acceptance testing and delivery activitiesQualifications\r\nCore QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management or related technical field6-8+ years of experience in defense contracting, program management, or government customer supportStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail required for government workExcellent written and verbal communication skills for government reporting and briefingsAbility to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a regulated environmentValid driver's license and ability to travel domestically and internationallyAbility to obtain and maintain a US government security clearanceDefense Industry ExperienceUnderstanding of DoD acquisition processes and contract requirementsExperience with government technical documentation and reporting standardsKnowledge of defense contracting regulations (FAR/DFARS)Experience with multiple different GOV Acquisitions and program management / Contracting frameworks (DODI 5000.2, 5000.87, IDIQs, OTA, Etc)Experience interfacing with military personnel and government program managersUnderstanding of government testing and evaluation processesInternational defense cooperation experience (preferred)Technical SkillsExperience with project management tools and methodologies (preferably in defense context)Familiarity with unmanned systems, Robotics, High altitude systems, or Aviation related fieldsHigh proficiency in Google productivity suiteBasic understanding of engineering principles and military technical documentationExperience with data analysis and government reporting requirements$145,000 - $205,000 a yearCompensation PackageCompetitive salary commensurate with experienceGenerous health coverage for employee and family, premium fully covered4% 401k matchPTO and Sick LeaveTravel & Work Environment\r\nTravel RequirementsTravel up to 25% to customer sites, and field test locationsAbility to work in austere field conditions and military operational environmentsFlexibility to support urgent operational requirements and schedule changesWork EnvironmentIn-person role based in Herndon, VACollaborative environment supporting critical national security missionsDirect support to warfighter capabilities and mission successAventra Defense Systems, Inc is a venture-backed startup building scalable, precision-guided capabilities for the next generation of combat. We are assembling a team of engineers and operators who believe in speed, simplicity, and delivering real capability to the field—not just PowerPoint slides.#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-10-07T01:57:05.317Z","dateModified":"2026-10-07T01:57:05.317Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Lever","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Herndon","addressRegion":"VA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"2dd5a731b64a0e1bf938e4db"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/2dd5a731b64a0e1bf938e4db"}}