Maritime Autonomy Program Lead — Senior TPM

Shieldai; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager to lead assigned USV autonomy and future UUV integration programs, coordinating across domestic and international teams. You will drive objectives, manage integrated plans, and guide technical decisions while mitigating risks and ensuring mission readiness.

The role requires strong program management experience, systems engineering understanding, and the ability to lead through influence in a fast-paced environment with travel to

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional engineering programs from concept through production and operational 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 Program Management Reviews (PMRs), gate reviews, and estimates.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead through influence across distributed teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and ability to drive execution with high standards and collaboration.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned USV programs, integrating Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software onto USV platforms.
• Support development and execution of future UUV autonomy integration programs as opportunities mature.
• Work with product managers, engineering leads, operations, and executive leadership to define clear program objectives tied to mission impact and financial outcomes.
• Own the development and execution of integrated program and project plans, including scope, schedules, milestones, dependencies, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Facilitate rigorous, fast, and effective technical and programmatic decision-making across cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate system integration activities across labs, ground testing, and sea trials; drive readiness reviews and milestone closures.
• Drive consistent cadence of meetings, ensuring alignment on status, milestones, risks, and technical challenges.
• Develop and refine technical and operational documentation, engineering change orders, and integration procedures.
• Create an environment with clarity, tools, accountability, and support to execute; escalate blockers and foster ownership.

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager to lead assigned USV autonomy and future UUV integration programs, coordinating across domestic and international teams. You will drive objectives, manage integrated plans, and guide technical decisions while mitigating risks and ensuring mission readiness.

The role requires strong program management experience, systems engineering understanding, and the ability to lead through influence in a fast-paced environment with travel to