About the Job
At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and ...
Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.
Dedrone stands out as the global leader in airspace defense technology and counter-UAS solutions. Engineering at Dedrone is tasked with delivering innovative solutions and products to maintain our position on the cutting edge of innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Translate product requirements from Product Management into clear technical scopes, then align internal Systems, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering teams and external development partners around a shared execution plan.
Own the master schedule for solutions programs delivered in partnership with outside development partners (ODM/CM and technical solution providers), driving milestones across all program phases (EVT, DVT, PVT).
Serve as the primary program interface to external development partners — managing scope, technical reviews, and deliverable acceptance to ensure vendor output meets Dedrone's requirements.
Identify, track, and proactively mitigate program risks from partner capability gaps and long-lead component constraints to supplier qualification gaps before they become schedule or cost impacts.
Own program budget management including NRE, tooling, and build costs, maintaining alignment between vendor commitments and business objectives.
Collaborate regularly with both domestic and international stakeholders, including ODM/CM and other development partners, to ensure manufacturing readiness and on-time production ramp.
Translate complex technical status, vendor tradeoffs, and program risk into clear, actionable communication for executive and cross-functional audiences.
Work autonomously and collaboratively in an empowering and fast-paced environment, driving clarity in ambiguous situations.
Hone your program and vendor management expertise in a dynamic learning environment focused on personal and professional development.
Required Skills & Abilities
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; MBA or MS in Engineering Management a plus.
PMP certification a plus.
Proven experience managing hardware or technical solutions programs delivered through external development partners, preferably in industries involving advanced electromechanical systems.
Strong technical fluency across mechanical, electrical, and firmware disciplines sufficient to translate product requirements, evaluate vendor tradeoffs, and engage meaningfully with internal engineering teams.
Demonstrated experience managing ODM/CM or outside development partner relationships, including scoping, technical reviews, deliverable acceptance, and coordinating manufacturing readiness activities such as yield, regulatory certification, and factory acceptance.
Familiarity with hardware build phases (EVT/DVT/PVT), design freeze processes, and the tradeoffs inherent in transitioning from development to production.
Proficiency with program management tools for scheduling, risk tracking, and cross-functional coordination.
Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g., FCC, CE, UL, MIL-STD) and experience driving vendor-delivered products through certification processes.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify critical path risks — including those originating with external partners — and drive resolution across competing organizational priorities.
Excellent communication skills to effectively align product managers, internal engineering teams, and external development partners, surface tradeoffs to leadership, and present program status with clarity and confidence.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with high levels of ambiguity and evolving requirements.
