Senior Program Manager, Maritime Autonomy & USV/UUV

Shield AI; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 184,000 - 276,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager to lead Maritime Domain programs, integrating Hivemind autonomy onto USVs and future UUVs. You will start programs from ground up and guide them through production to deployment, coordinating with domestic and international teams to ensure timely, high-quality outcomes.

The ideal candidate brings extensive government and commercial program management experience, strong risk and cost control skills, and the ability to drive komplex

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.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead through influence across distributed teams.
• Willingness to travel internationally

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned USV autonomy programs and future UUV integration initiatives.
• Define program objectives with product managers, engineering, operations, and leadership.
• Develop and execute integrated plans covering scope, schedules, budgets, and resources.
• Facilitate technical and programmatic decision-making across cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate integration and test readiness across labs, sea trials, and field deployments.
• Track program financials, milestones, risks, and customer deliverables.
• Support growth activities including proposals, RFIs, and strategic engagements.
• Create an environment that enables teams to execute with ownership and urgency.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Technical depth

DoD/government program experience

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager to lead Maritime Domain programs, integrating Hivemind autonomy onto USVs and future UUVs. You will start programs from ground up and guide them through production to deployment, coordinating with domestic and international teams to ensure timely, high-quality outcomes.

The ideal candidate brings extensive government and commercial program management experience, strong risk and cost control skills, and the ability to drive komplex