Persistent Systems LLC, a leading defense tech company providing mobile networking solutions for military, first responder, government and commercial markets is seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Video Production Manager to oversee and execute professional multimedia projects across a variety of platforms. This individual will lead the planning, filming, and editing of high-impact video and photography content both in-studio and in the field — including tactical military environments. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in fast-paced, mission-critical environments and understands both the language of defense and the craft of visual storytelling. 

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Content Development & Execution

• Own the end-to-end production process of video and photo content across all digital platforms including YouTube, Instagram, and company web properties.
• Develop and implement a multimedia strategy that aligns with brand positioning and business goals, including product launches, customer engagement, and thought leadership.
• Lead all phases of content creation, storytelling, directing and producing of videos: developing topics and scripts, managing scheduling, logistics and pre-production, on-site directing, post-production, and final delivery.
• Set the creative vision and maintain quality standards for all media assets.
• Direct and manage shoots in tactical/military environments—providing strong leadership in high-pressure settings while ensuring OPSEC and DoD compliance.
• Manage in-house studio operations, including lighting, audio, set design, and green screen environments.
• Oversee motion graphics, animation, and emerging tools such as AI-generated video.

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Manage, mentor, and develop a small but agile video production team, currently including at least one full-time Video Producer.
• Lead creative reviews, provide editorial feedback, and ensure consistent production workflows of multiple video projects concurrently.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Product, Sales, Government Relations, Training, and Engineering teams to prioritize projects and allocate resources.
• Manage relationships with freelance talent, vendors, and external content partners when required.

Operational Management & Technical Oversight 

• Maintain and manage video equipment inventory, ensuring optimal studio readiness.
• Operate high-end camera systems, audio gear, drones, and post-production hardware/software.
• Establish and enforce archiving and asset management protocols.

Required Qualifications 

Professional Experience 

• 7+ years of progressive experience in professional video production, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated success producing content in both controlled studio and dynamic field environments, including tactical/military settings.
• Portfolio that reflects excellence in both creative direction and technical execution.

Military/Defense Expertise

• Strong familiarity with defense environments, military culture, and tactical communication equipment.
• Experience creating content for or within defense, government contracting, or adjacent industries.
• Clear understanding of OPSEC, DoD compliance, and sensitive content protocols.

Technical Skills 

• Mastery of Adobe Premiere Pro and proficiency in After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, DaVinci Resolve, and Frame.io.
• Experience with AI-powered video platforms (e.g., Veo 3, Synthesia, Sora) a plus.
• Proficiency with high-end DSLR/mirrorless cameras (Canon EOS R5, Sony A7S III, etc.), studio lighting (Aputure, Godox), and audio equipment (Sennheiser, Zoom, Rode).
• FAA Part 107 certification for drone operations is a plus.

Leadership & Communication 

• Proven ability to manage creative teams and cross-functional projects.
• Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable giving direction to SMEs, executives, and external collaborators.
• Ability to balance creative vision with business priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in film production, media arts, communications, or related field
• Military background or embedded media/journalist experience
• Familiarity with YouTube Studio, Instagram content strategy, and video SEO
• Experience working in or adjacent to defense or government contracting sectors

Work Conditions

• Full-time, in-office position based in New York City
• Standard business hours, with occasional evening/weekend work for shoots or travel
• Frequent hands-on studio work and occasional domestic travel for field shoots
• Physical ability to lift and transport production equipment as needed

The base pay for this role can vary from $128,000 to $182,000 a year based on individual qualifications. Eligibility for yearly discretionary bonus. Persistent Systems, LLC offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid time off (sick time and vacation time); flexible spending accounts; 401(k) plan with company match; fitness membership reimbursement; tuition assistance; mental health benefits; and pet discounts.

Headquartered in New York City since 2007, Persistent Systems, LLC is a global communications technology company which develops, manufactures, and integrates a patented and secure Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) system: Wave Relay®. The company’s industry leading R&D team has designed wireless networking protocols to support their cutting-edge Wave Relay® system and technology. Wave Relay® is capable of running data, video, voice and other applications under the most difficult and unpredictable conditions. Their suite of products is field proven and utilized in Commercial, Military, Government, Industrial, Agriculture, Robotics, and Unmanned System markets.