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 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.

Program Manager (R4930)

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