Program Manager (R4457)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the 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:
We are seeking a Program Manager to lead complex Department of Defense (DoD) programs delivering unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, spanning both hardware delivery programs and Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) operational efforts.

What you'll do::
• In this role, you will manage the execution of hardware and software solutions that meet mission-critical requirements. You will lead a cross-functional team, ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, and customer stakeholders to successfully deliver innovative capabilities.
• Own end-to-end program execution across all phases of the lifecycle (Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring, and Closure)
• Develop and execute integrated program plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and risk management
• Balance and rebalance evolving customer priorities across cost, schedule, and technical performance throughout the program lifecycle
• Serve as the primary customer interface and key point of contact for assigned programs
• Proactively identify execution risks, bottlenecks, and dependencies; drive mitigation plans and critical path acceleration strategies
• Ensure accurate, timely tracking and reporting of program metrics including budget, resources, and schedule performance
• Lead and facilitate a consistent cadence of program reviews, working groups, and stakeholder meetings, including preparation and follow-up
• Partner with functional and senior leadership to guide prioritization, resource allocation, and trade-space decisions
• Foster a culture of accountability, rigor, and execution excellence across the program team
• Report directly to Shield AI’s Director of DoD/FMS Programs

Required qualifications::
• 8+ years of proven Program Management experience within Department of Defense programs
• Deep expertise in project and program management, with a track record of delivering complex capabilities
• Active Secret security clearance
• Ability to travel domestically as required
• Strong strategic mindset with a focus on long-term business objectives
• Demonstrated experience leading interrelated projects with minimal oversight.
• Proficiency with scheduling and program management tools such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or equivalent
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent skills in leadership, time management, organization, team management
• Deep understanding of project financials
• A demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others

Preferred qualifications::
• Experience across a variety of DoD acquisition frameworks
• Experience in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics

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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.