Technical Program Manager, V-BAT Autonomy Integration

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

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead the integration of the Hivemind autonomy stack onto V-BAT. The role sits within the Aircraft division, coordinating aircraft engineering and autonomy software teams to deliver mission-ready autonomous systems.

You will coordinate across Arlington, VA and San Diego, CA, drive schedules, costs, and technical performance, and ensure readiness across hardware, software, and operations throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7–10 years of related experience with advanced degrees.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional engineering programs from concept through production and deployment.
• Strong technical understanding of software-enabled systems, autonomy, aerospace, 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead Aircraft & Autonomy Integration Programs and manage integration of Hivemind onto V-BAT.
• Drive hardware & software alignment with engineering, manufacturing, and flight test schedules.
• Define program objectives aligned to mission impact, customer success, and financial outcomes.
• Own development and execution of integrated project plans with scope, milestones, and resources.
• Facilitate decision-making across cross-functional teams, identifying risks and drive alignment.
• Coordinate system integration activities across labs, ground and flight tests, ensuring readiness.
• Develop and refine technical documentation and change orders; support program execution with PMRs and EACs.
• Deliver timely tracking of program finances, resources, schedules, and status.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Strategic planning

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead the integration of the Hivemind autonomy stack onto V-BAT. The role sits within the Aircraft division, coordinating aircraft engineering and autonomy software teams to deliver mission-ready autonomous systems.

You will coordinate across Arlington, VA and San Diego, CA, drive schedules, costs, and technical performance, and ensure readiness across hardware, software, and operations throughout the product lifecycle.