Staff Technical Program Manager (DC)
Shield AI
IT, Operations
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Jun 13, 2025
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
Shield AI is seeking a highly motivated Technical Program Manager to lead the execution of complex, cross-functional programs at the intersection of autonomy, aircraft systems, and defense technology. In this role, you will drive the planning, coordination, and delivery of integrated solutions across air vehicle engineering, Hivemind Enterprise, and mission systems. You’ll work closely with engineering, product, test, and customer teams to manage aggressive schedules, balance technical and programmatic risks, and ensure successful delivery of mission-critical capabilities. This role requires deep technical acumen, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. As a key member of the Aircraft Division, you’ll play a pivotal role in enabling Shield AI’s vision of deploying intelligent, collaborative aircraft in the world’s most contested domains.
What You'll Do:
- Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary programs across the aircraft systems division, ensuring alignment with Shield AI’s mission to deploy intelligent, team-based aircraft into contested environments.
- Partner closely with cross-functional teams—including air vehicle engineering, autonomy, mission systems, flight test, and customer success—to define clear program objectives, technical milestones, and operational deliverables.
- Develop and maintain detailed integrated master schedules (IMS), resource plans, and risk management strategies that balance technical scope, cost constraints, and aggressive timelines typical of defense acquisition programs.
- Monitor program performance across hardware, software, and flight test activities; identify blockers; and drive resolution through rapid cross-functional coordination and data-driven decision-making.
- Serve as the central communication hub for program execution, providing stakeholders—including executive leadership and DoD customers—with transparent updates, trade-off analyses, and clear articulation of technical progress and challenges.
- Continuously evolve Shield AI’s program execution methodologies by implementing best practices in Agile, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), and Earned Value Management (EVM) to support iterative development cycles within mission-critical environments.
- Cultivate a high-performing, collaborative culture across engineering and operations teams, reinforcing accountability, technical rigor, and innovation.
- Actively contribute to technical discussions and trade studies to ensure optimal design choices, effective risk mitigation, and alignment with end-user mission requirements.
- Champion Shield AI’s reputation for technical excellence and disciplined execution by consistently delivering complex programs with precision and integrity.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of experience managing complex technical programs, including software and hardware integration.
- Proven track record delivering programs in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries.
- Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements management and risk mitigation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.
- Experience with Agile, Scrum, or similar software development methodologies.
- Proficiency with program management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet).
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical details to both engineers, customers, and executives.
- U.S. citizenship with active DoD Secret clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in engineering, systems engineering, or technical management.
- Experience with autonomous systems, AI/ML-enabled platforms, or mission autonomy software.
- Familiarity with airworthiness, flight test operations, or military aircraft development programs.
- Experience managing programs using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches.
- Knowledge of DoD acquisition frameworks, including experience on Fixed Price or OTA contracts.
- PMP, INCOSE CSEP, or similar industry certification.
- Active or Top Secret clearance.
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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.