Senior Program Manager (R4932)
Operations
United States
USD 140k-210k / year + Equity
Posted on Jun 16, 2026
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:
The Senior Program Manager will lead the execution and growth of Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs. This role serves as the primary interface between US Navy stakeholders, business development, engineering, operations, and executive leadership to identify opportunities, shape task orders, and successfully deliver mission-critical capabilities to operational customers.
The candidate will possess deep US Navy experience, understand how requirements transition into funded task orders, and will have a proven track record of success leading complex defense programs from opportunity identification through execution. This individual will ensure exceptional customer satisfaction and operational outcomes for Shield AI customers.
What you'll do:
- Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance in support of Navy missions through flawless program management and leadership
- Effectively collaborate and lead relevant stakeholders to successfully deliver programs early, under budget, and with exceptional technical performance
- Develop and maintain trusted relationships with Navy operational, acquisition, and technical stakeholders. Serve as the primary customer-facing lead for assigned programs
- Complete critical path analyses including the evaluation of potential means to accelerate the pace or mitigate identified risks
- Translate evolving customer requirements into executable plans across engineering, operations, logistics, and sustainment teams
- Astutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priories related to cost, schedule, and technical parameters of programs
- Drive program execution across multiple concurrent task orders and customer organizations.
- Lead staffing plans, execution strategies, risk assessments, and program activities
- Establish and maintain accurate program schedules, financial forecasts, staffing plans, and risk registers
- Drive accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource utilization, contract performance, and project management metrics
- Establish and lead a consistent cadence of well-organized, well-facilitated, and effective meetings, including driving all preparation and follow up activities
- Support the growth and maturation of Shield AI's Navy portfolio while positioning the company for follow-on awards and expanded mission scope
- Support an environment where accountability and program execution excellence are core
Required qualifications:
- 8+ years of Program Management experience supporting Department of Defense programs.
- Demonstrated successful experience running advanced programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects, in a self-directed manner
- Direct experience supporting Navy operational, acquisition, ISR, aviation, maritime, or intelligence communities
- Proven experience managing customer-facing defense programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, and performance
- Experience leading cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, logistics, and business functions
- Demonstrated experience developing, shaping, capturing, or executing government contracts and task orders
- Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing complex program financials
- Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and programs in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated success driving long-term business objectives
- Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
- Demonstrated alignment with Shield AI's values and leadership principles, including accountability, trust, collaboration, and servant leadership
- Active Secret Security Clearance
Preferred qualifications:
- Former Navy experience (active duty or civilian)
- Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, ISR programs, or defense technology programs
- Familiarity with U.S. Navy operational, acquisition, and technical organizations
- Experience supporting deployed operations, expeditionary operations, or global logistics networks
- Experience transitioning new capabilities into operational fleet use
- 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.
140000 - 210000 USD a year