Senior Technical Program Manager (Federal Programs)

About Beacon AI

Beacon AI is developing AI pilot assistant technology to transform aviation, flight safety, operational efficiency, and pilot capabilities. We are on a mission to leverage the power of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to revolutionize the aviation industry. Join us to be at the cutting edge of technological innovation for the second century of aviation.

Role Overview

We’re hiring a Technical Program Manager (Federal Programs) to lead critical defense programs, including our work with Special Operations and Air Force communities. This person will drive program execution, support fielding and validation of new aviation technologies, and be a trusted interface between users, engineers, customers, and acquisition teams.

You'll be hands-on with efforts across several contracts and customers, supporting integrations,  advanced pilot assistance feature development, and operational software deployments across defense aviation platforms.

What You’ll Do

• Lead cross-functional program execution for defense customers, ensuring technical milestones are delivered on time and aligned to mission needs.

• Interface with DoD stakeholders (PEOs, TPOCs, acquisition offices, pilots) to manage schedules, updates, deliverables, and feedback loops.

• Translate operational needs into technical requirements, particularly for aircraft operations, debrief, mission planning, and pilot assistance.

• Coordinate user engagements and flight demonstrations, including simulator events and aircraft integration.

• Support proposal development, responses to government solicitations, and long-term roadmap planning.

• Ensure contract compliance and timely delivery of CDRLs, milestone demos, technical reports, and training documentation.

• Work closely with Beacon’s engineering, product, and operations teams to keep programs user-focused and technically executable.

What Will Make You Successful

• Former DoD pilot or aircrew, ideally with SOF, AFSOC, tactical, or mobility aviation experience.

• Experience supporting or working within DoD acquisition offices (e.g., PEO Fixed Wing, AFLCMC).

• Familiarity with requirements generation, validation, and transition planning.

• Track record of delivering technology programs involving multiple stakeholders and operational users.

• Strong skills in stakeholder management, briefings, and written communications.

• Comfort navigating the engineering side (with software and hardware teams) and the government side (with end users and contracting officers).

• Experience contributing to DoD proposals (writing, grading, reviewing).

• Eligible for a DoD security clearance

• Willingness to travel 10–15% to military installations, flight demonstrations, and stakeholder meetings

Bonus Points

• Experience with flight test operations or military flight releases.

• Familiarity with aircraft modifications, including avionics integration and equipment installation.

• Experience with Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) development or deployment.

• Understanding aircraft interface devices, aircraft databuses (e.g. ARINC 717/429, or MIL-STD-1553B).

• Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) or (Military) Flight Operations Quality Assurance (MFOQA/FOQA) program management.

• Exposure to cybersecurity, hazard analysis, or certification processes in aviation or defense settings.

Join Beacon AI to be at the forefront of innovation, driving the transformation of aviation technology and making a tangible impact on the future of flight.

This is a hybrid role and requires working from our San Carlos, CA office at least three days a week, with the option to work remotely the remaining days.

Perks & Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Enjoy peace of mind with our generous health benefits, with 80% of medical costs covered by the company for the employee and 25% for their dependents.

• Paid Time Off: Recharge and relax with 3 weeks of paid vacation, in addition to 14 company-paid holidays each year.

• Connectivity Stipend: Stay connected with our cell phone benefit, ensuring you have the tools you need to excel in your role.

• Health and Wellness Allowance: Use this towards a gym membership or subscription to a meditation app, empowering you to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Financial Planning: Prepare for the future with our 401(k) program. While we currently do not offer matching, we are committed to enhancing this benefit in the future.

For nearly all roles, the following may apply:

At this time, due to United States Department of State regulations, we are only able to hire U.S. Persons. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident (U.S. citizen, legal immigrant with a 'Green Card', or a protected individual who has been granted permanent asylum or refugee status.) These aerospace restrictions mean that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. All work must be performed in the United States.

Beacon AI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, employer complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Employer expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.