Maritime Autonomy Program Lead (USV/UUV)

AI Chopping Block; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in the United States is seeking a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager to join our Maritime Domain team, integrating Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy stack onto USV platforms and, in the future, UUVs. You will start programs from the ground up and guide them through production and into operational employment.

You will drive alignment across software developments with domestic and international customers while coordinating with Shield AI’s global teams.

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 PMRs, gate reviews, and estimates.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the program manager for assigned USV programs, leading the integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software onto USV platforms.
• Support the development and execution of future UUV autonomy integration programs as opportunities mature.
• Establish clear objectives with product managers, engineering leads, operations, and leadership to define mission impact and success.
• Own the development and execution of integrated program and project plans including scope, schedules, dependencies, budgets, and resources.
• Facilitate rigorous technical and programmatic decision-making across cross-functional teams and manage risks.
• Coordinate system integration activities across labs, tests, and sea trials; drive readiness reviews and milestones.
• Communicate status, milestones, risks, and outcomes through organized meetings and reports.
• Drive documentation and change control, and support PMRs, EACs, and project governance.
• Remove obstacles and empower teams with clear ownership and accountability.
• Deliver timely tracking of financials, resources, schedules, and customer deliverables.
• Support business development activities including proposals, RFIs, and technical evaluations.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Communication

Technical depth

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

PM tools

PMRs and gate reviews

Job description

Shield AI in the United States is seeking a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager to join our Maritime Domain team, integrating Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy stack onto USV platforms and, in the future, UUVs. You will start programs from the ground up and guide them through production and into operational employment.

You will drive alignment across software developments with domestic and international customers while coordinating with Shield AI’s global teams.