Senior Program Manager (R4932)

Shield AI; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Program Manager in Dallas, Texas, to lead Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs. This role is crucial in liaising between US Navy stakeholders and internal teams, ensuring exceptional program management and delivery of mission-critical capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of program management experience in defense, strong leadership skills, and an active Secret Security Clearance. Salary ranges from $140,000 to $210,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Program Management experience supporting Department of Defense programs.
• Demonstrated successful experience managing complex programs.
• Direct experience supporting Navy operational or intelligence communities.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Active Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution and growth of Navy ISR programs.
• Manage customer-facing defense programs effectively.
• Develop trusted relationships with Navy stakeholders.
• Complete critical path analyses to mitigate risks.
• Establish accurate program schedules and forecasts.

Skills

Program Management experience (8+ years)

Leadership and communication skills

Business and financial acumen

Experience with scheduling tools

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management

PMP certification or equivalent program management training

Tools

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

Job description

Job Description

The Senior Program Manager will lead the execution and growth of Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs. The role serves as the primary interface between US Navy stakeholders, business development, engineering, operations, and executive leadership to identify opportunities, shape task orders, and successfully deliver mission‑critical capabilities to operational customers.

What you'll do

• Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance in support of Navy missions through flawless program management and leadership
• Effectively collaborate and lead relevant stakeholders to successfully deliver programs early, under budget, and with exceptional technical performance
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with Navy operational, acquisition, and technical stakeholders. Serve as the primary customer‑facing lead for assigned programs
• Complete critical path analyses including the evaluation of potential means to accelerate the pace or mitigate identified risks
• Translate evolving customer requirements into executable plans across engineering, operations, logistics, and sustainment teams
• Astutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priorities related to cost, schedule, and technical parameters of programs
• Drive program execution across multiple concurrent task orders and customer organizations
• Lead staffing plans, execution strategies, risk assessments, and program activities
• Establish and maintain accurate program schedules, financial forecasts, staffing plans, and risk registers
• Drive accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource utilization, contract performance, and project management metrics
• Establish and lead a consistent cadence of well‑organized, well‑facilitated, and effective meetings, including driving all preparation and follow up activities
• Support the growth and maturation of Shield AI’s Navy portfolio while positioning the company for follow‑on awards and expanded mission scope
• Support an environment where accountability and program execution excellence are core

Required qualifications

• 8+ years of Program Management experience supporting Department of Defense programs
• Demonstrated successful experience running advanced programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects, in a self‑directed manner
• Direct experience supporting Navy operational, acquisition, ISR, aviation, maritime, or intelligence communities
• Proven experience managing customer‑facing defense programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, and performance
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams across engineering, operations, logistics, and business functions
• Demonstrated experience developing, shaping, capturing, or executing government contracts and task orders
• Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing complex program financials
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and programs in a fast‑paced environment
• Demonstrated success driving long‑term business objectives
• Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Demonstrated alignment with Shield AI’s values and leadership principles, including accountability, trust, collaboration, and servant leadership
• Active Secret Security Clearance

Preferred qualifications

• Former Navy experience (active duty or civilian)
• Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, ISR programs, or defense technology programs
• Familiarity with U.S. Navy operational, acquisition, and technical organizations
• Experience supporting deployed operations, expeditionary operations, or global logistics networks
• Experience transitioning new capabilities into operational fleet use
• PMP certification or equivalent program management training
• Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management

Salary: $140,000 - $210,000 a year

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.