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:
Seeking a Program Manager to lead the development and delivery of transformative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and capabilities, serving as the critical link between engineering, logistics, sustainment, operations, subcontractors, and financial execution. This role will lead cross-functional teams in the research, development, and deployment of advanced hardware and software solutions, driving disciplined execution against ambitious goals while thriving in a fast-paced, high-growth environment where innovation, accountability, and mission impact are paramount.
What you'll do:
Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance in support of customer/end-user’s mission through flawless program management.
Effectively collaborate, motivate, and lead relevant stakeholders to successfully deliver early, under budget, and with exceptional technical performance.
Manage customer relationships and act as the key point of contact for the program
Astutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priories related to cost, schedule, and technical parameters of programs.
Provide hands-on management of all aspects of the program
Drive the accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource, and project management standard metrics
Complete critical path analyses including the evaluation of potential means to accelerate the pace or mitigate identified risks
Identify potential bottlenecks or delays in programs and drive efforts to ensure projects stay on schedule
Partner with leadership to guide prioritization of projects and utilization of resources
Establish and lead a consistent cadence of well-organized, well-facilitated, and effective meetings, including driving all preparation and follow up activities
Support an environment where accountability and program execution excellence are core
Required qualifications:
5+ years of program management experience for Department of Defense programs
Ability to run advanced projects/programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects, in a manner that is largely self-directed
Proven ability to focus on long-term business objectives
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet
Excellent skills in leadership, time management, organization, team management
Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal and written ability
Expert understanding of complex project financials
Demonstrated alignment with Shield AI's values and leadership principles, including accountability, trust, collaboration, and servant leadership
Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance
Preferred qualifications:
Experience delivering unmanned aerial systems, ISR programs, or defense technology programs Experience managing integrated software and hardware research and development programs
Active Secret Security Clearance
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management training
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline