Director, Global Product Sustainment

Company Overview
Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Director of Global Product Sustainment to join our growing team. The Director of Global Product Sustainment is responsible for establishing and executing global sustainment strategies and comprehensive training initiatives to ensure the operational readiness, reliability, and customer satisfaction for PDW products worldwide. This role will oversee the Return Material Authorization (RMA) program, customer maintenance, supply chain logistics, technical documentation, and tailored training solutions, aligning these efforts with corporate goals and international customer requirements

What You'll Do

• Define and implement global sustainment strategies, including customer support, logistics, and maintenance programs.
• Lead the PDW RMA program, ensuring world-class quality standards and rapid turnaround times.
• Develop, scale, and manage comprehensive certification training programs covering production operations, RMA processes, and global maintenance support.
• Coordinate and facilitate the delivery of PDW product sustainment training for internal teams and Value-Added Resellers (VARs) globally.
• Manage product lifecycle sustainment planning to guarantee long-term product readiness and effective customer support.
• Enable and oversee effective field service training, technical publications, spare parts, and repair logistics to ensure customer success.
• Lead cross-functional teams to continuously enhance product reliability, maintainability, and overall customer satisfaction.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives within sustainment and training systems, leveraging predictive maintenance, e-learning platforms, and virtual training environments.
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership, providing strategic insights on sustainment, training strategies, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) to continuously enhance sustainment processes and training effectiveness.
• Ensure rigorous configuration management throughout component lifecycle, considering specific customer requirements such as Authorization to Operate (ATO) and Initial Flight Clearance (IFC).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Business, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in aviation sustainment, logistics, or training leadership; experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations or maintenance is highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of global aviation support infrastructure, sustainment best practices, and contemporary training methodologies.
• Demonstrated leadership capability in managing large-scale, cross-functional teams.
• Strong financial, operational, and strategic management skills.
• Exceptional communication and customer relationship-building abilities.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift/carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, and phones. Must be physically capable of walking between the office and production areas and attending events or meetings off-site as needed.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment with occasional work in a manufacturing setting. It requires the use of standard office equipment and systems. This role involves cross-departmental collaboration and both independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime or off-hour work as business needs arise.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

• PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.