Autonomy Integration Program Lead

InvestedintheMission; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead the integration of the Hivemind autonomy stack onto X-BAT. This role sits in the Aircraft division and coordinates between aircraft engineering and autonomy software teams to deliver mission-ready autonomous systems.

Ideal candidates have deep program management experience across hardware/software integration, with strong communication skills and a track record of delivering complex aerospace programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years with a Master’s; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional engineering programs from concept through production and deployment.
• Strong technical understanding of software-enabled systems, autonomy, aerospace systems, or complex integrated products.
• Demonstrated success managing program execution across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical performance in fast-paced environments.
• Experience with PMRs, gate reviews, and estimates.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to lead across distributed teams.
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and ability to drive execution with high standards and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead Aircraft & Autonomy Integration Programs
• Drive Hardware & Software Alignment between aircraft engineering and autonomy software teams
• Establish clear program objectives with product managers, leadership, and stakeholders
• Own development and execution of integrated project plans including scope, schedules, milestones, dependencies, budgets, and resources
• Coordinate system integration activities across labs, ground tests, and flight tests; drive readiness reviews
• Identify bottlenecks and risks, drive mitigation and schedule adherence
• Facilitate decision-making and maintain documentation: EACs, PMRs, gate reviews

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Engineering coordination

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead the integration of the Hivemind autonomy stack onto X-BAT. This role sits in the Aircraft division and coordinates between aircraft engineering and autonomy software teams to deliver mission-ready autonomous systems.

Ideal candidates have deep program management experience across hardware/software integration, with strong communication skills and a track record of delivering complex aerospace programs.