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Drone Program Manager Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX ยท On-site

Collaborate with project managers, GIS teams, and field personnel to meet project objectives ... programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX ยท On-site

Collaborate with project managers, GIS teams, and field personnel to meet project objectives ... From top-tier health care programs to employee assistance programs and retirement planning, we aim ...

VDC Manager

Dallas, TX ยท On-site +1

Process management of 3D constructability reviews, 3D model-based coordination, laser scanning, drone program, advanced reality capture and all other regional VDC standards of care QUALIFICATIONS ...

$62.25 - $81.75/hr

This position is vital for supporting Motorola Solutions' advanced drone command-and-control software, CAPE, which empowers public safety agencies to establish and manage sophisticated DFR programs.

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Drone Program Manager information

What is a drone program manager?

Drone Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of an organization's drone operations. They manage drone projects from planning and compliance to execution and evaluation, ensuring that the program meets safety, regulatory, and organizational goals. Their duties often include supervising teams, setting budgets, developing operational protocols, and liaising with regulatory bodies. A Drone Program Manager must stay updated on drone technology trends and legal requirements to ensure efficient and lawful operations.

What are some common challenges a drone program manager faces when integrating drones into existing business operations?

A Drone Program Manager often encounters challenges such as ensuring regulatory compliance, managing data security, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders across departments. Integrating drones into existing processes may require updates to company protocols, extensive staff training, and close collaboration with IT and legal teams. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving drone technology and maintaining safety standards can be demanding but are crucial for successful program implementation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Program Manager, you need expertise in UAV operations, project management, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in engineering, aviation, or a related field. Familiarity with drone software platforms, fleet management systems, and certifications such as Part 107 Remote Pilot are typically required. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate teams and manage client expectations effectively. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant drone program delivery in a rapidly evolving industry.

What is the difference between Drone Program Manager vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone Program ManagerDrone Pilot
CredentialsProject management certifications, FAA Part 107 licenseFAA Part 107 license, flight experience
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, overseeing multiple projectsField-based, operating drones directly
Industry UsageManagement roles in industries like construction, agriculture, and surveyingOperational roles in similar industries, flying drones for data collection

The Drone Program Manager focuses on overseeing drone operations, managing teams, and coordinating projects, while the Drone Pilot is responsible for flying drones and capturing data. Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Drone Program Manager jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Drone Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Drone Program Manager job openings in Texas as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Product Manager - Drone & Unmanned Systems

Austin, TX โ€ข On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Product Manager - Drone & Unmanned Systems
About Doodle Labs
Doodle Labs builds the connectivity backbone of the autonomous systems revolution - resilient wireless mesh networks that let drones, robots, and unmanned platforms operate reliably in the world's most demanding environments. We sit at the intersection of defense, robotics, and next-generation autonomy, powering the machines that are changing how militaries, first responders, and industries operate in the field. Our core purpose is simple: connect anyone and anything, at any time, in any place.
For over 25 years, our team has been at the forefront of mesh networking, partnering with leading defense programs, robotics manufacturers, and system integrators worldwide. The work here doesn't sit in a slide deck - it ends up in the field, in the hands of people for whom failure isn't an option.
About the Role
The Product Manager - Drone & Unmanned Systems is responsible for owning the drone and unmanned systems product line and will play a key role in translating customer needs and field learnings into shipped product.
In this role, you will work closely with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Solutions to gather requirements, write PRDs, and drive products from concept through launch. This position reports to Co CEO and will help shape the product roadmap for Doodle Labs' drone and unmanned systems line as the company continues to scale.
This is an opportunity to build hands-on product ownership within a high-growth company at the forefront of wireless networking and autonomous systems.
What You'll Do
  • Own and drive the drone/unmanned systems product line - from customer discovery through launch
  • Lead market research for the product line, including competitive landscape and deployment trends
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, sales, marketing, and solutions
  • Write and maintain PRDs and requirements documentation
  • Translate customer needs and field feedback into actionable product requirements
  • Contribute to product roadmap planning alongside Co CEO
  • Track releases and ensure go-to-market readiness

What Success Looks Like
  • Deep working knowledge of the product and how customers use it in the field, with a first PRD in flight
  • Strong cross-functional alignment and collaboration with Engineering and go-to-market teams
  • Clear, well-prioritized product requirements that engineering can build against
  • Reliable release tracking and go-to-market coordination for the drone/UAS line

Who You Are
  • 5+ years of experience in product management
  • Proven experience owning product requirements and driving them through to delivery
  • Strong understanding of hardware/deep-tech product development
  • Comfortable serving as the connective tissue between engineering and commercial teams - translating field and customer input into requirements engineering can act on, and technical constraints into terms Sales and Marketing can use
  • Ability to write clear, well-structured PRDs that hold up under scrutiny from engineering and give the team a real basis for prioritization
  • Experience operating in fast-paced or high-growth environments

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in drones, robotics, autonomy, or wireless networking
  • Experience working with OEMs, embedded systems, or hardware products
  • Familiarity with defense or dual-use markets (not required)

Why Join Doodle Labs
  • Work on cutting-edge technology powering the future of autonomous systems
  • Collaborate with engineers and innovators building industry-leading connectivity solutions
  • Make a meaningful impact in a fast-growing company shaping the next generation of robotics and wireless networking

Compensation & Benefits
Doodle Labs offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package built for people doing serious work.
  • Compensation: Competitive base salary, individual and company performance bonuses
  • Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus One Medical, Teladoc, Talkspace, Health Advocate, Kindbody, and sponsored gym memberships
  • Retirement: 401(k) with company contributions
  • Professional Development: Access to courses, certifications, and conferences
  • Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax commuter savings for transit and parking
  • Time Off: Paid time off, Federal and Bank holidays observed, plus a company-wide holiday shutdown from Christmas through New Year's
  • Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility

Travel Expectations
This role may require approximately 30% travel for OEM customer visits, field validation, and industry events.