PROGRAM MANAGER

Program Manager

Bingen, WA

Full Time, On-site

About Zepher Flight Laboratories, Inc. (ZFL) : We are an engineering and manufacturing company focused on the development of uncrewed and autonomous aerial vehicles (UAVs). ZFL's mission is to enable the widespread use of drones by creating products that can scale in both manufacturing and operations.

Zepher Flight Laboratories, Inc. (ZFL) is developing the "Z1", a 55 pound, 14-foot span VTOL drone that is powered by hydrogen fuel cells. ZFL received a government contract in 2020 to create the Z1 prototype, and a second contract in 2022 to productize and deliver test articles to the U.S. Military. ZFL relies upon engineers, technicians, and operators who are able and willing to make this next phase of the program a success. ZFL employees must have a good combination of skill, industry knowledge, curiosity, and drive to solve problems effectively and quickly.

Summary of Position :

The Program Manager (PM) is a technical program leader responsible for complex, multi-phase projects and cross-functional programs at Zepher Flight Labs. This high-visibility, customer-facing role oversees the full lifecycle of technical programs, from proposal and contracting through delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, customer requirements, and internal execution capabilities. The PM leads integrated planning, execution, and risk management across engineering, operations, and subcontractors, while driving accountability for scope, budget, schedule, and quality. They contribute to organizational maturity through program excellence, process improvement, and performance tracking. This role requires strong technical fluency, executive communication skills, and the foresight to manage complexity with clarity and confidence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Program Manager shall have / perform :

• Program Oversight : Lead all aspects of program execution, including budgets, resources, schedules, deliverables, and risks.
• Cross-functional Leadership : Collaborate with the Director of Engineering and ZFL Leadership Team to align the team's direction with program goals, milestones, and customer expectations. Ensure the effective coordination of any subcontractors and cross-departmental resources.
• Program Communication : Act as the primary program point of contact for customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Prepare and deliver concise updates, including weekly status reports, program reviews, and presentations. Ensure timely communication of program changes and their impacts on cost, scope, and schedule.
• Risk Management : Identify potential risks early, develop mitigation plans, and execute corrective actions to address challenges proactively. Drive innovation and process automation to streamline workflows and reduce risk exposure.
• Proposal Development : Support the CEO, Director of Programs and others in the bid and proposal processes, including cost estimation, technical write-ups, and pre-award planning. Ensure proposals and contracts align with both customer and company objectives.
• Ensure Financial Accountability : Review contract / program expenses regularly and reconcile them with budget forecasts. Collaborate with the Director of Engineer and Director of Programs to address unexpected costs and implement strategies to optimize financial performance.
• Program Reporting and Tools Development : Develop and manage program status tools, including financial tracking, resource allocation, deliverables, actions, and risk management, to ensure effective oversight and decision-making. Collaborate with the ZFL Leadership Team to refine and optimize these tools.
• Documentation and Record Retention : Maintain comprehensive and accurate program documentation, ensuring compliance with company standards and regulatory requirementsarchive program history for lessons learned and future reference.
• Process Improvement : Continuously evaluate and improve program practices, leveraging data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement methodologieslead program closure activities to capture lessons learned and best practices to improve future performance.
• Ensure Compliance and Safety : Uphold industry standards, regulations, and safety guidelines in all activities.
• Problem-Solving : Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated passion for operational excellence, innovation, and finding solutions as problems arise.
• Communication : Excellent writing, organizational, communication, and presentation skills. Capable of effectively conveying technical information to diverse audiences.
• Interpersonal Skills : Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and maintain credibility in customer, supplier, and coworker interactions.
• Initiative : Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues to drive projects to successful completion in a team environment.
• Adaptability : Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts in evolving environments while adjusting work approaches to address complex problems.
• Attention to Detail : Demonstrated ability to be meticulous and thorough in completing work tasks, ensuring high-quality results and adherence to specifications and standards.
• Software Proficiency : Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools.
• Contribute to the creation, modification, and maintenance of all documents, procedures, contracts, risk management plans, and any other documentation required by a customer or stakeholder.
• Physical Demands : These can include standing, walking, lifting, pushing, carrying heavy objects, prolonged sitting and keyboarding, computer and desk work, and auto and plane travel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications :

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and / or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to the requirements of the ITAR and / or the EAR, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Zepher Flight Labs is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, political affiliation, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, parental status, military or Veteran status.

Come Join Our Team :

Compensation & Benefits : We're proud to offer a competitive total rewards package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance. Pay is based on experience. This position is located in Bingen, WA, and does not include relocation assistance.