Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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
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Job Description:
The Senior Program Manager will lead the execution and growth of Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs. This 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.
The candidate will possess deep US Navy experience, understand how requirements transition into funded task orders, and will have a proven track record of success leading complex defense programs from opportunity identification through execution. This individual will ensure exceptional customer satisfaction and operational outcomes for Shield AI 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 priories 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