Manufacturing Training Program Manager

About this role

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions.

About the Role:

Skydio is seeking a Manufacturing Training Program Manager to build and scale our manufacturing talent development programs. This role combines operational excellence with workforce strategy, ensuring employees receive exceptional onboarding and technical training while developing long-term partnerships that create sustainable manufacturing talent pipelines.

You will own the manufacturing training ecosystem—from learning management systems and training effectiveness to workforce partnerships, public funding opportunities, and hiring programs. Working cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Production, Engineering, Recruiting, HR, Quality, and external partners, you will build the systems and relationships that enable Skydio's continued manufacturing growth.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

MANUFACTURING TRAINING & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

- Own the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of manufacturing training programs across production operations.

- Schedule, coordinate, and administer instructor-led, on-the-job, and digital training for manufacturing employees.

- Design and continuously improve onboarding programs that accelerate employee readiness and productivity.

- Develop cross-training strategies that increase workforce versatility and manufacturing flexibility.

- Evaluate training effectiveness through KPIs including certification rates, time-to-proficiency, quality performance, safety metrics, and production readiness.

- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, EHS, and Quality to develop standardized work instructions, training curricula, and certification programs for compliance, new products, and manufacturing processes.

- Develop professional development programs and training to

LEARNING MANAGEMENT & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

- Act as the primary Manufacturing System Owner for the LMS, overseeing the integrity of qualification tracking, employee certifications, training documentation, and reporting to ensure constant audit readiness.

- Develop scalable training infrastructure, processes, and reporting dashboards to support a growing manufacturing workforce.

- Ensure training documentation meets quality, regulatory, and operational requirements.

- Manage training schedules, instructor coordination, employee certifications, and training records.

WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS & TALENT PIPELINE

- Lead partnerships with public agencies, workforce development organizations, educational institutions, and community partners to strengthen Skydio's manufacturing talent pipeline.

- Serve as the primary liaison with colleges, universities, workforce boards, apprenticeship programs, and strategic manufacturing partners.

- Develop and implement workforce development programs that reduce dependence on staffing agencies through sustainable talent pipelines.

- Coordinate candidate referrals, workforce program participation, onboarding logistics, internships, apprenticeships, and hiring initiatives.

- Organize and support hiring events, manufacturing tours, career fairs, and workforce engagement activities in partnership with Recruiting, Production, and external organizations.

PUBLIC FUNDING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

- Identify and pursue workforce development grants, manufacturing incentives, tax credits, and public funding opportunities that support manufacturing workforce growth.

- Manage administrative requirements associated with public funding, including reporting, documentation, compliance, and performance metrics.

- Monitor workforce development initiatives and manufacturing programs to identify strategic partnership opportunities.

- Build scalable systems for managing workforce partnerships, community engagement, and external stakeholder relationships.

What Makes You a Good Fit:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Operations, Manufacturing, Education, Industrial Engineering, Human Resources, or a related field.

- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing training, workforce development, operations program management, or a related field.

- Experience administering Learning Management Systems (LMS) or enterprise training platforms.

- Strong program management experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives.

- Experience developing training programs, onboarding systems, and competency-based learning.

- Demonstrated success building partnerships with educational institutions, workforce organizations, government agencies, or community partners.

- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.

- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across technical, operational, and external stakeholders.

- Experience using data and metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience in high-tech manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, electronics, automotive, or medical device manufacturing.

- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence methodologies.

- Experience managing workforce grants, apprenticeship programs, or publicly funded workforce initiatives.

- Familiarity with California workforce development programs and manufacturing initiat

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