Operational Program Manager Jobs in Davis, CA (NOW HIRING)

Rainmaker is pioneering a modern cloud seeding system to address water scarcity and inclement weather challenges worldwide. We develop and integrate radar validation, weather-resistant UAS, numerical weather modeling, and sustainable seeding agents into an effective precipitation enhancement solution.

Rainmaker is building something that hasn't existed before. If you're the kind of person who gets energized by hard problems, new territory, and the opportunity to lead programs that have real impact on water resources, we want to hear from you.

The Department of Field Operations is hiring Program Managers across multiple regions in the United States and internationally to lead cloud seeding operations on behalf of commercial and research interests.

The Program Manager plays a critical role at Rainmaker, leading the design, planning, and execution of one or more cloud seeding programs from contract handoff through operational delivery. This person will work closely with the Government Affairs team to translate contracts and stakeholder interests into fully operational programs, then lead multi-disciplinary teams of Senior Operators, Field Operation Specialists, Forward Deployed Engineers, and Field Instrumentation Specialists through execution. This is a role for someone who thrives in constantly changing environments, solves hard problems creatively, and can lead both people and programs across challenging terrain, conditions, and obstacles with minimal guidance.

The Program Manager exists to grow Rainmaker's presence and impact in their region by sitting at the intersection of business development, government affairs, and field operations. Embedded in the communities where their programs operate, the Program Manager is uniquely positioned to build relationships with local stakeholders and translate those relationships into operational programs. In doing so, they are expected to continuously challenge and improve how Rainmaker designs and executes cloud seeding operations, bringing frontline knowledge and stakeholder insight back into the way we build program-s from the ground up.

Program Execution

• Lead the end-to-end design, planning, and execution of one or more cloud seeding programs, delivering measured and meaningful precipitation enhancement to target regions

• Partner with the Government Affairs team to transition contracts and stakeholder commitments into operational program plans

• Manage and lead cross-functional field teams including Senior Operators, Field Operation Specialists, Forward Deployed Engineers, and Field Instrumentation Specialists

• Solve complex operational challenges driven by remote terrain, adverse weather conditions, and logistical constraints

• Own stakeholder reporting and internal program reporting throughout the operational season

• Plan and coordinate complex program logistics and resources 

Program Development & Business Growth

• During program offseasons, lead efforts to build out future programs, including site selection, operational planning, and logistics

• Cultivate and deepen relationships with existing stakeholders to expand program scope and introduce new opportunities

• Support business development efforts by identifying and pursuing new commercial and research program interests

Required

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in challenging environments

• Strong problem-solving skills with a bias toward creative, unconventional solutions

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across stakeholders, partners, and internal teams

• Self-directed and comfortable operating with minimal guidance

• Meticulous attention to detail in planning and execution

• Willingness to work in remote and physically demanding environments

Preferred

• Experience in operational or logistical planning (military, aviation, emergency management, or similar fields)

• Experience in business development, sales, or client-facing relationship management

• Experience managing programs or projects with multiple concurrent workstreams across distributed locations

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., atmospheric science, environmental science, engineering, aviation, business, or related discipline)

• Comfort with frequent travel, including to remote or international locations

• Experience with GIS tools and spatial data (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth)

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Rainmaker participates in E-Verify. To learn more, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-Verify.gov.

Rainmaker is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Rainmaker is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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