Program Manager, National Security - DHS

About the role

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.

About the Role

Skydio is seeking a driven, customer-obsessed Program Manager to own a segment of our Department of Homeland Security (DHS) portfolio.

You will own your accounts from contract award through the full post-sale lifecycle: fulfillment, onboarding, enablement, adoption, customer health, renewals, and expansion. Your accounts span the full Skydio product portfolio. DHS customers operate across the full spectrum of deployment options offered by Skydio, requiring broad knowledge of our internal systems and tools as well as a clear understanding of how DHS components operate. You will set clear expectations on capability and timeline, and partner with internal teams to deliver against the customer success plan.

This role reports to the Head of National Security Programs within the Mission Success organization and partners closely with Sales, Solutions Engineering, Deployment, Product, Engineering, Security, Infrastructure, Support, Training, and Field Support.

How You'll Make an Impact

Delivery and onboarding

• Own delivery of Skydio systems and accessories from contract award through receipt, including contract scope, deliverables, and compliance

• Drive shipping issues, support cases, and RMAs to resolution with Operations, Support, and Engineering, keeping leadership informed on status and risk

• Take each program from delivery to first operational use

Enablement and adoption

• Coordinate pilot, operator, and administrator training with the Training team

• Equip each customer with the documentation, support contacts, spares and RMA path, and maintenance plan to operate on their own, using repeatable playbooks

• Track systems purchased versus deployed and flying, and work with program staff, pilots, and field leadership to build Skydio into daily ISR and mission workflows

• Capture product gaps and operational feedback and brief Product and Engineering to influence priorities

Retention and growth

• Serve as the primary post-sale point of contact for your assigned accounts, working with program offices, operators, field leadership, contracting officers, and IT teams

• Run regular program reviews and QBRs, monitor account health and risk, and keep Salesforce and portfolio reporting current

• Own renewal readiness for support, software, and maintenance agreements, and partner with Sales to close them on time

• Build relationships across components, sites, and field offices to find expansion paths, including follow-on funding, new sites, additional Skydio systems, and new mission uses

What Makes You a Good Fit

• 5+ years managing programs, strategic accounts, or technology fielding within DHS, the Department of War, or the defense and homeland security technology industry

• Direct experience supporting USSS, CBP, or other DHS components, with an understanding of their missions, operating environments, and stakeholders

• Familiarity with UAS and autonomous systems operations, including ISR missions

• Proven track record taking complex hardware and software systems from contract award to sustained operational use

• Working knowledge of federal acquisition and contract structures (e.g., FAR, IDIQ, BPA, GSA Schedule) and delivering against contract requirements

• Demonstrated ability to drive adoption, renewals, and expansion by aligning products to mission needs and field-level realities

• Experience managing several accounts at once while balancing customer expectations, technical constraints, and business priorities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including concise executive updates and clear technical discussions with operators and engineers

• Ability to operate independently with high ownership in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment

Nice to Have

• Prior service with USSS, CBP, or other federal law enforcement or homeland security agencies

• Hands-on sUAS pilot experience in ISR, law enforcement, or military operations

• Experience supporting National Special Security Events or other multi-agency operations

• Experience with border security technology, physical security programs, or unmanned systems

• Military service or prior government experience

• PMP or similar program management certification

• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM tools

Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, including to DHS field locations, border sectors, and event sites

• Ability to pass a DHS background investigation

• This role supports products for our government customers and is subject to a government contract that requires Skydio to limit this position to candidates with US Citizenship. We welcome every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States to apply. However, at this time, Skydio does not currently offer employment-based visa or permanent residency sponsorship for this role.

• Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $145,000 - $175,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.

For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/