Senior Staff Product Manager, Rotorcraft Logistics (R4116)
Shield AI
Product, Operations
Washington, DC, USA
USD 190k-290k / year + Equity
Posted on Dec 11, 2025
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 nine 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:
Shield AI is redefining defense technology by delivering mission autonomy solutions that provide next generation manned-unmanned teams in the rotorcraft domain. We design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge software solutions that leverage robotics, AI-driven autonomy, and mature software foundations to support mission-critical operations.
As a Product Manager for rotorcraft logistics, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategy, execution, and commercialization of our mission autonomy solutions. You will own the entire product lifecycle—from concept to deployment—ensuring our solutions meet mission needs, enhance operational efficiency, and align with strategic business objectives.
You will lead efforts to identify and address the most critical autonomy needs for Shield AI and its customers. Collaborating with a cross-functional team—business development, program managers, engineers, and executives—you'll help define what we build, when, and for whom. This high-impact role requires deep expertise in the testing, development, procurement, and operational use of rotorcraft – including related autonomy and robotics products – across a wide variety of applications: CASEVAC, cargo, logistics, resupply, weapons.
What you'll do:
- Product Strategy & Roadmap Development:
- -Define, manage, and execute the product strategy aligned with business objectives, customer needs, and emerging threats.
- -Develop and maintain the product roadmap that prioritizes mission-critical features and balances technical feasibility.
- -Lead strategic planning to expand the portfolio based on customer feedback and operational insights.
- -Conduct business case analyses to guide investment decisions.
- -Develop and maintain product documentation, including roadmaps, whitepapers, and concept of operations (CONOPs), serving as a guide for business and technical teams to build, deliver and market the capability.
- Market & Technology Awareness:
- -Stay current on technology and business trends within defense, rotorcraft, and logistics.
- -Monitor industry innovations and emerging technologies related to rotorcraft, autonomy, and robotics to forecast future needs.
- -Identify opportunities for integrating new technologies and improving product performance.
- -Develop product feature requirements and pricing models based on market events, customer feedback, and competitive intelligence.
- Cross-Functional Execution:
- -Establish clear product goals, key success metrics, and key performance metrics and measure progress continuously.
- -Partner closely with the Chief Engineer and Technical Program Managers to ensure product designs meet customer timelines and business requirements.
- -Serve as the product owner, effectively communicating strategy and goals to internal and external stakeholders to drive support.
- -Work closely with Finance and Business Leadership to set and achieve product financial targets.
- -Lead margin optimization efforts through efforts including design improvements, make vs buy decisions, new technology introductions.
- Operational & Customer Engagement:
- -Serve as the primary advocate for rotorcraft and contested logistics, acting as the bridge between development teams, operators, program managers, and stakeholders.
- -Leverage operational experience to translate mission needs into technical requirements and user-centric solutions.
- -Engage with government sponsors and B2B partners to gather insights and validate product direction.
- -Partner with business development and field support personnel to gather product feedback and drive continuous product refinement.
- Capability Development & Continuous Improvement:
- -Identify and implement emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance mission effectiveness.
- -Support wargaming, modeling & simulation (M&S), and digital engineering initiatives to refine space autonomy operations capabilities.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:
- -Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including senior military leaders, program managers, and technical experts.
- -Represent the product during technical exchanges, capability demonstrations, and stakeholder briefings.
- -Support business development by articulating product value, mission relevance, and technical differentiation.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in defense technology, autonomy, rotorcraft, cargo logistics, or related domains.
- Proven experience managing complex programs within DoD or IC environments.
- Proven ability to lead product strategy and development from concept to deployment.
- Experience with defense or government stakeholders, ideally within mission-critical roles.
- Relevant military experience or operational expertise.
- Strong communication skills—able to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
- Active TS with SCI eligibility clearance.
- Advanced degree in a relevant technical or business field (MBA, Systems Engineering).
- Familiarity with real-time processing and sensor integration on autonomous systems or UAS payloads.
- Familiarity with autonomy development methodologies (Agile, DevSecOps).
- Knowledge of AI/ML techniques for multi-sensor fusion applications.
- Experience in cross-functional leadership within defense technology development.
#LI-DM2
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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.
190000 - 290000 USD a year