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-BAT aircraft, 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.
Job Description:
Seeking a Program Manager to lead execution and operational maturity for global Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) deployments supporting contracted intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. This role serves as the critical link between flight operations, logistics, sustainment, subcontractors, finance, and customer stakeholders to ensure successful deployment and sustainment of operational capabilities worldwide. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and can drive disciplined execution across organizations while building scalable processes that enable continued growth and mission success.
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 supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, ISR programs, or defense technology programs
Familiarity with aircraft sustainment, maintenance operations, or fleet management models
Experience managing subcontractors, external service providers, or distributed operational teams
Experience building scalable operational processes in startup or high-growth organizations
Active Secret Security Clearance
PMP certification or equivalent program management training
Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management
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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.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal 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.
