Program Manager (R4930)

Shield; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Program Manager in Dallas, Texas, to oversee unmanned aircraft system deployments supporting intelligence and reconnaissance missions. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of program management experience, particularly within Department of Defense programs, and will ensure successful delivery while fostering collaboration across teams.

This role demands strong leadership and organizational skills to manage customer relations and drive project success in fast-paced environments. The position offers a competitive salary range of $110,000 - $160,000 annually, alongside a benefits package that includes bonuses and equity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of program management experience for Department of Defense programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and customer relationships.
• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution and operational maturity for unmanned aircraft system deployments.
• Manage customer relationships and act as key point of contact.
• Drive tracking and reporting of project metrics.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Time management

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management

Tools

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture‑backed defense‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.

Job Description:

Seeking a Program Manager to lead execution and operational maturity for global Company‑Owned, Company‑Operated (COCO) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) deployments supporting contracted intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. This role serves as the critical link between flight operations, logistics, sustainment, subcontractors, finance, and customer stakeholders to ensure successful deployment and sustainment of operational capabilities worldwide. The ideal candidate thrives in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments and can drive disciplined execution across organizations while building scalable processes that enable continued growth and mission success.

What you’ll do:

• Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance in support of customer/end‑user’s mission through flawless program management.
• Effectively collaborate, motivate, and lead relevant stakeholders to successfully deliver early, under budget, and with exceptional technical performance.
• Manage customer relationships and act as the key point of contact for the program.
• Astutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priorities related to cost, schedule, and technical parameters of programs.
• Provide hands‑on management of all aspects of the program.
• Drive the accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource, and project management standard metrics.
• Complete critical path analyses including the evaluation of potential means to accelerate the pace or mitigate identified risks.
• Identify potential bottlenecks or delays in programs and drive efforts to ensure projects stay on schedule.
• Partner with leadership to guide prioritization of projects and utilization of resources.
• Establish and lead a consistent cadence of well‑organized, well‑facilitated, and effective meetings, including driving all preparation and follow‑up activities.
• Support an environment where accountability and program execution excellence are core.

Required qualifications:

• 5+ years of program management experience for Department of Defense programs.
• Ability to run advanced projects/programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects, in a manner that is largely self‑directed.
• Proven ability to focus on long‑term business objectives.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet.
• Excellent skills in leadership, time management, organization, team management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal and written ability.
• Expert understanding of complex project financials.
• Demonstrated alignment with Shield AI’s values and leadership principles, including accountability, trust, collaboration, and servant leadership.
• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, ISR programs, or defense technology programs.
• Familiarity with aircraft sustainment, maintenance operations, or fleet management models.
• Experience managing subcontractors, external service providers, or distributed operational teams.
• Experience building scalable operational processes in startup or high‑growth organizations.
• Active Secret Security Clearance.
• PMP certification or equivalent program management training.
• Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management.

Salary: $110,000 - $160,000 a year.

Full‑time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment).

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.