Drone Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Join Axon and be a Force for Good.
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 each other.
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.
Join Axon and be a Force for Good
Dedrone, now part of Axon, is the global leader in smart airspace security, protecting critical infrastructure, military installations, and public spaces worldwide. Our comprehensive command and control (C2) solution safeguards hundreds of commercial, government, and military customers from unauthorized drone threats while enabling secure drone operations. Through AI-powered technology, we deliver continuous, autonomous drone detection, tracking, and mitigation capabilities, all unified on a single integrated platform. Our battle-tested solutions combine multi-sensor detection and mitigation options to defend against emerging airspace threats, while supporting authorized drone operations including public safety and first responder missions. As part of Axon's ecosystem, we're advancing both defense and public safety capabilities through innovative airspace security solutions. Whether deployed on-premise, air-gapped, or in the cloud, Dedrone provides unmatched protection for sensitive sites, facilities, and communities worldwide.
Your Impact
As Senior Product Manager for Hardware at Dedrone, you will own the product strategy and execution for a designated hardware product or product line within Dedrone's counter-drone portfolio - which spans RF sensors, radars, cameras, effectors, trailers, and supporting infrastructure. This is a hands-on role where you will work closely with hardware engineering, RF and electrical teams, manufacturing, and field operations to define requirements, drive development, and deliver rugged, high-performance products to military, government, and commercial customers worldwide. You will translate complex customer needs and operational realities into clear hardware product roadmaps, balancing technical feasibility, cost, regulatory requirements, and time-to-market. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of counter-drone hardware at the intersection of defense technology and commercial innovation.
What You'll Do
Location: This role is based out of our Sterling, VA Office and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.
Reports to: VP of Product
Direct Reports: N/A

• Hardware Product Strategy: Own and drive the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for one of Dedrone's hardware product lines including sensors, effectors, and supporting solution infrastructure. Ensure alignment with company goals, customer needs, and market trends.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with hardware engineering, RF engineering, electrical engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing teams to define product requirements, prioritize features, and drive development from concept through production.
• Customer and Field Engagement: Engage directly with military, government, and commercial customers to understand operational environments, gather feedback on hardware performance, and validate product concepts in real-world conditions.
• Product Development Lifecycle: Manage the end-to-end hardware product lifecycle including requirements definition, prototyping, design reviews, testing and validation, regulatory certification, manufacturing readiness, and field deployment.
• Market and Competitive Analysis: Conduct market research and competitive analysis of counter-UAS hardware solutions to identify opportunities for differentiation and innovation.
• Technical Requirements: Translate complex operational and technical requirements into clear product specifications, user stories, and acceptance criteria that guide engineering teams.
• Regulatory and Compliance: Work with legal, regulatory, and quality teams to ensure hardware products meet applicable standards including ITAR, FCC, CE, MIL-STD, and other relevant certifications.
• Stakeholder Communication: Build and present compelling business cases to senior leadership. Communicate product status, risks, and tradeoffs to stakeholders across the organization.
• Vendor and Supply Chain Coordination: Collaborate with supply chain and procurement teams to manage component selection, vendor relationships, and manufacturing partnerships.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical, systems, or related field), or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5+ years of product management experience with a proven track record of shipping physical/hardware products from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of hardware development processes including prototyping, design for manufacturing (DFM), testing, and certification.
• Experience working with cross-functional hardware and software teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to translate customer and operational needs into clear technical requirements and product specifications.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with both technical teams and senior leadership.

Nice to Have

• Experience with RF systems, sensors, or electronic warfare technologies.
• Defense, aerospace, or public safety industry experience, particularly with counter-UAS or related systems.
• Familiarity with defense procurement processes, ITAR, and international defense trade regulations.
• Experience with manufacturing operations, supply chain management, or hardware quality assurance.
• Experience with OEM integrations, particularly in vehicles, industrial equipment, or other ruggedized platforms.
• Existing, prior, or ability to obtain US Secret Security Clearance.

Benefits that Benefit You

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
• Discretionary paid time off
• Paid parental leave for all
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Fitness Programs
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support
• Learning & Development programs
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work.
Don't meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you're excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Important Notes
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.
Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.
We collect personal information from applicants to evaluate candidates for employment. You may request access, deletion, or exercise other CCPA rights at axongreenhousesupport@axon.com or via our Axon Privacy Web Form. For more information, please see the Your California Privacy Rights section of our Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice.
Axon's mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Axon's impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.
We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We're committed to hiring the best talent - regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances - and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email recruitingops@axon.com. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.
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