Senior TPM, Autonomous Aircraft Programs

Shield; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an exceptional Technical Program Manager to guide our autonomous aircraft program development, from concept through tradespace analysis and customer-use cases. You will own objectives, metrics, and delivery across cross-functional teams.

The role requires a decade-plus in technical program management, defense/aerospace familiarity, and a transparent, data-driven approach to decision making. A security clearance at Secret level with Top Secret eligibility is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, CS, or related field.
• 10+ years in technical program management or managing studies/projects.
• Defense, national security, or aerospace familiarity.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional teams.
• Self-starter with clarity under ambiguity.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-backed decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Active Secret clearance and Top Secret eligibility.
• Experience translating technical information into customer narratives.

Responsibilities

• Guide and manage next-generation autonomous aircraft conceptual design and tradespace analysis.
• Set objectives from customer use cases and develop metrics for cost versus performance.
• Plan, schedule, and manage the effort scope and cost, delivering strategic products.
• Own execution, engage stakeholders, and ensure on-time delivery to customers.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Data-driven decision making

Self-starter

Problem-solving

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an exceptional Technical Program Manager to guide our autonomous aircraft program development, from concept through tradespace analysis and customer-use cases. You will own objectives, metrics, and delivery across cross-functional teams.

The role requires a decade-plus in technical program management, defense/aerospace familiarity, and a transparent, data-driven approach to decision making. A security clearance at Secret level with Top Secret eligibility is preferred.