Corporate Communications Manager

Description
Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN) is an AI software company on a mission to automate physically demanding work that has historically been “too complex to automate.” With more than thirty years of robotics R&D — including during our time under Raytheon — we’ve developed advanced AI and ML software that enables robots to observe, learn, reason, and act with human-like intelligence.
Our platforms empower many industrial robots and cobots (ABB, Fanuc, Kuka, Universal Robots, and more) to perceive real-world variation, maneuver autonomously, and manipulate objects with precision — all with minimal training time, limited data sets, and lower power requirements than traditional solutions.
This technology is already reshaping industries including automotive, aviation, construction, defense, manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure inspection. And we’re just getting started — our roadmap spans UAVs, UGVs, ROVs, and eventually humanoid robotics.
We released the first commercial version of Palladyne IQ in October 2024, followed by Palladyne Pilot in Q1 2025. As we expand commercialization, every new hire plays a critical role in driving adoption, customer success, and organizational scale.
About The Role
We are looking for a PR & Communications Manager to drive Palladyne AI's external narrative during a critical commercial phase. This role unifies our brand voice across all external media, digital and communications channels, from press releases, LinkedIn and X and executive thought leadership, and is integral to converting our technology story into market credibility, pipeline, and customer confidence.
The ideal candidate combines B2B technology communications experience with social media expertise and the ability to translate complex AI and robotics concepts into clear, compelling content. You will work directly with the CCO and executive team to shape how Palladyne AI is perceived by industrial buyers, defense stakeholders, investors, and the broader AI community.
What You’ll Do
Social Media Strategy & Execution

Own and manage Palladyne AI’s presence across LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, and emerging B2B platforms
Develop and maintain a consistent content calendar aligned to product milestones, partnership announcements, and industry events
Build engagement strategies that grow follower quality and drive measurable inbound interest from target verticals (industrial automation, defense, logistics)
Monitor performance analytics and optimize content strategy based on engagement, reach, and lead generation data
Manage community engagement: respond to comments, amplify partner content, and foster conversation around key industry themes
PR & Communications

Draft, edit, and manage press releases, media advisories, and executive announcements
Develop and maintain media relationships with tech, defense, and industrial trade press along with Industry Analysts
Support crisis communications and reactive media strategy in coordination with legal and executive teams
Build a company newsroom presence that reflects Palladyne AI’s transformation story with credibility and momentum
Coordinate with IR team to ensure communications are compliant and consistent with public company requirements
Executive & Thought Leadership Content

Support CEO, CCO, and product leadership in developing thought leadership content: LinkedIn posts, op-eds, white paper contributions, and speaking abstracts
Ghostwrite executive communications in an authentic, technically credible voice for AI/robotics audiences
Content Creation & Brand Management

Produce and/or commission high-quality written, visual, and video content in support outreach
Partner with product marketing and engineering teams to translate technical differentiators into customer-facing press and social media messaging
Develop customer case studies, deployment stories
Enforce brand standards across all external-facing materials
Campaign & Launch Support

Plan and execute integrated social and communications campaigns around major milestones: product launches, contract wins, partnership announcements
Support trade show and event presence with digital amplification before, during, and after
Collaborate with demand generation to align organic social strategy with paid media and lead nurture campaigns
Requirements
Required

7+ years of marketing, communications, or social media experience in B2B technology, deep tech, defense, or industrial sectors
Demonstrable track record managing corporate social media accounts with measurable business impact
Excellent writing ability across formats: social copy, press releases, long-form thought leadership, and executive communications
Experience translating technical or engineering-heavy subject matter for non-specialist audiences
Strong understanding of public company communications norms and IR sensitivities
Proficiency with social media management platforms (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Buffer) and analytics tools
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field
Preferred

Experience marketing AI, robotics, autonomous systems, or defense technology products
Prior experience in a high-growth startup or company undergoing significant transformation or rebranding
Established relationships with tech, defense, or industrial trade media
Familiarity with Nasdaq public company disclosure and IR communication standards
Video production and editing skills; comfort with platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn Video
Experience supporting C-suite executives with thought leadership content and speaking preparation
Additional Requirements

15-25% travel required for trade shows, customer meetings, and industry events
Success measured by social engagement growth, media coverage quality, and contribution to sales pipeline: Performance Metrics
What Success Looks Like

In your first 90 days, you will have audited our current social presence, developed a 12-month content and communications calendar, and published at least one flagship piece of executive thought leadership. Within six months, you will own a measurably growing social audience in target verticals, have placed meaningful media coverage, and have produced at least three customer case studies. By year end, Palladyne AI's brand will be recognized as a credible voice in industrial AI and defense autonomy, with your work directly traceable to pipeline and commercial momentum.
Our Employee Dna (how We Work)

We take ownership and follow through, ensuring clarity and alignment in how we communicate and execute
We communicate directly, thoughtfully, and with intention—tailoring messages to drive understanding and impact
We operate with urgency and adaptability in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment
We collaborate across teams to ensure consistent, effective communication and shared outcomes
Compensation Philosophy
We believe competitive compensation and meaningful benefits are foundational—but what truly drives performance is connection to purpose. We aim to create an environment where employees are motivated not just by what they earn, but by the impact they make and the team they’re part of.
During the interview process, your recruiter will review our total rewards package, including base salary, potential equity, bonus opportunities, benefits, and overall employee experience. Final offers are based on skills, experience, and role alignment.
CULTURE (WHY IT MATTERS)
Our culture is grounded in trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to meaningful work. We support missions that protect national security, strengthen public safety, and advance critical technologies—work that demands thoughtful communication, sound judgment, and a high standard of professionalism.
We believe exceptional results come from aligned, well-informed teams. We foster an environment where communication is clear, intentional, and trusted—ensuring that employees understand not just what we do, but why it matters. Through collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning, we empower our people to contribute meaningfully and grow alongside the organization.
THE FINE PRINT
No third-party candidates will be accepted.
Palladyne AI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.