Manager of Special Programs

Requirements

Experience managing small, fast-moving engineering or R&D teams, ideally in robotics, aerospace, defense, or another hardware-intensive environment

Working technical literacy across some combination of autonomy, embedded systems, robotics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering — enough to lead substantive conversations with engineers without being the deepest expert in the room

Demonstrated ability to plan and execute against budgets, schedules, and resource constraints with limited overhead

Comfort partnering with senior technical and product leaders to evaluate new opportunities and translate ambiguous ideas into structured plans

Experience supporting prototype hardware development, field testing, or Government demonstrations is strongly preferred

Familiarity with defense acquisition, export controls, or classified program management is a plus

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to keep cross-functional stakeholders aligned

High emotional intelligence, with the ability to keep teammates aligned

Strong organizational instincts and a bias toward action in ambiguous, low-process environments

Bachelors degree in engineering, or equivalent professional experience

Comfort operating with high uncertainty, minimal resources, compressed timelines, and aggressive goals and schedules

What the job involves

We are seeking a Special Programs Manager to serve as the administrative and operational backbone of our team. You will be responsible for keeping projects on track, managing resources and budgets, and creating the conditions for a small, talented group of engineers to move quickly

While this is not a hands‑on engineering role, you will provide high-level technical direction during prototype reviews and partner closely with the VP of Product and CTO to evaluate and shape the next wave of ideas the team will pursue

Provide day‑to‑day administrative management of the Special Programs team, including scheduling, staffing, budgets, procurement, vendor coordination, and progress reporting

Plan and track prototype builds, field testing, and demonstrations, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and resources stay aligned across electrical, mechanical, and software contributors

Offer focused technical input during design reviews and prototype check‑ins — enough to challenge assumptions, unblock the team, and translate progress to non‑engineering stakeholders

Collaborate directly with the VP of Product and the CTO to surface, scope, and prioritise new ideas the team should consider pursuing, and keep Special Programs work synchronised with the broader product roadmap

Represent Special Programs internally to functions such as Growth, Finance and Engineering, and externally as needed to suppliers and Government or commercial customers

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Occasional standing and walking within the office, lab, and prototype spaces

Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment

Visual acuity to read screens, documents and reports

Occasional reaching, bending or stooping to access file drawers, cupboards or office supplies

Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

Occasional travel to field test sites and Government demonstrations

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