S

Swift Engineering

Designs unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles

Program Manager

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/21/2026
$140k - $165k/yr+ 401(k) match
Senior
San Clemente, CA, USA
In Person
Project & Program ManagementProgram Management
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship Required

About the job

Requirements
  • At least 5 years of experience in a program management role.
  • Demonstrated past success solving complex technical program roadblocks with strong results.
  • Experience leading a multidisciplinary team to overcome program challenges and achieve success.
  • Ability to develop, baseline, and update an integrated master plan.
  • Must be a U.S. Person under International Traffic in Arms Regulations due to contract requirements.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and take initiative.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, and Microsoft Project.
  • Ability to work primarily in an office with interaction in research and development and shop environments; periodic weekend or evening work is expected, and some travel is required.
Responsibilities
  • Manage customer relations by executing projects successfully to maximize business opportunities.
  • Own the complete success and execution of company programs, including cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Oversee the program life cycle and manage activities needed to meet business goals and objectives.
  • Serve as the central focal point and authority for program execution and as the single point of contact for program activities for internal and external customers.
  • Follow up with team members to ensure task completion and implement course corrections as needed.
  • Ensure customer alignment and manage overall customer satisfaction.
  • Identify, analyze, and manage program-level risks.
  • Develop and maintain program plans, including budgets, Estimate at Completion, resource allocation, and communications.
  • Coordinate and align project teams and their interdependencies.
  • Lead program meetings and program reviews with customers and executive staff.
  • Manage potential program scope changes and advise leadership and customers of potential impacts.
  • Support the Business Development team in bidding and capturing opportunities.
  • Maintain a working connection with company programs and systems.

About the company

Swift Engineering designs and builds high-performance vehicles with 30+ years of experience, specializing in unmanned systems, autonomy, robotics, and advanced composites. It conducts in-house product development and manufacturing, has produced more than 500 vehicles in a 60,000-square-foot facility, and has expanded into aerospace for both manned and unmanned programs. Its Swift020 Unmanned Air System is a winged drone that can take off and land like a quad-rotor and transition to efficient fixed-wing flight without extra launch or recovery equipment, serving markets such as oil and gas, maritime, emergency services, delivery, agriculture, research, surveillance, and defense, and features X-Blade Technology. The company aims to provide end-to-end development and production of high-performance unmanned and manned vehicles across multiple industries, reducing operation time and cost for customers.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$1.6M

Headquarters

San Clemente, California

Founded

1983

Get referred to Swift Engineering

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Swift won NASA SBIR Phase II on July 15, 2025, extending runway.
  • November 12, 2025 ATLA exhibitor status opens Japanese defense and procurement conversations.
  • May 21, 2025 hiring of Fernando Sarmiento expands composites manufacturing capacity.

What critics are saying

  • Revenue depends on NASA and defense awards; one missed renewal starves development.
  • SULE must prove 30-day flight in 2026 or lose credibility.
  • Without government-funded wins, Swift lacks scale against larger defense contractors.

What makes Swift Engineering unique

  • Swift Engineering combines design, manufacturing, and product development under one roof.
  • NASA Phase II funding backs its SULE high-altitude endurance drone platform.
  • ATLA Industry Day 2025 selection signals defense access in Tokyo.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Family Planning Benefits
  • Fertility Treatment Support

Company News

IMA Network
May 22nd, 2025
Swift Engineering Taps Fernando Sarmiento as Manufacturing Engineer in Companys Composites Unit

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. - May 21, 2025 - Swift Engineering, a leading innovator in advanced solutions for unmanned aviation as well as a range of other critical applications, has appointed Fernando Sarmiento to the position of Manufacturing Engineer.