Senior Staff Technical Program Manager - Mission Autonomy

Shield; 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 Launched Effects and Deep Strike autonomy integration programs, from concept through production and operational deployment, within the Weapons Domain team.

You will coordinate across Shield AI’s software, systems engineering, and deployment teams with domestic and international customers, driving cost, schedule, integration readiness, risk management, and successful mission outcomes.

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 Launched Effect and Deep Strike Autonomy Integration Programs
• Coordinate with domestic and international customers and Shield AI’s teams
• Manage cost, schedule, integration readiness, risk, and technical performance
• Ensure readiness for deployment of autonomous systems
• Balance timelines with engineering constraints and maintain high execution standards

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Communication skills

Travel internationally

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

PMRs

Gate reviews

Estimates

Job description

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, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

We are looking for an exceptional Senior Staff Technical Program Manager to join our Weapons Domain team, integrating Shield AI’s Hivemind Autonomy stack onto Launched Effects and Deep Strike platforms. Your role will include starting programs from the ground up and guiding them through production and into operational employment. This role requires a self-starter who can integrate quickly with a fast-moving, highly competent team.

You will drive alignment across software development and integration activities with domestic and international customers while remaining synchronized with Business Development colleagues. This role requires close coordination with colleagues across Shield AI’s international teams, including offices in Europe and Asia, and a motivated, cross-functional leadership approach.

The ideal candidate has a combination of government and commercial program management experience, with strong, established fundamentals in coordinating complex, first-of-a-kind integration efforts. You will be responsible for driving cost, schedule, integration readiness, risk management, and successful operational outcomes while pushing the boundaries of mission autonomy. We are looking for a candidate who can think critically and creatively while leveraging a firm foundation in managing risk across new and foundational programs.

What you’ll do:

• Lead Assigned Launched Effect and Deep Strike Autonomy Integration Programs

Required 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

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience integrating autonomy or software systems onto defense platforms.

• Experience in software development, autonomy development, or systems engineering.

• Experience managing clean-sheet defense or technology development programs.

• PMP and/or Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification.

• Familiarity with DoD contracting, defense acquisition, or national security programs.

• Experience balancing aggressive timelines with complex engineering constraints.

• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret clearance or higher.

• Familiarity with Weapons PAE and USG Acquisition organizations

• Familiarity with Mavlink and/or WOSA standards

#LI-DS5

#LE

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 toequal 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.