Jobs and Careers

Senior Program Manager (R4931)

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 16 Jun 2026

About the role

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 the development and delivery of transformative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and capabilities, serving as the critical link between engineering, logistics, sustainment, operations, subcontractors, and financial execution. This role will lead cross-functional teams in the research, development, and deployment of advanced hardware and software solutions, driving disciplined execution against ambitious goals while thriving in a fast-paced, high-growth environment where innovation, accountability, and mission impact are paramount.

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 delivering unmanned aerial systems, ISR programs, or defense technology programs Experience managing integrated software and hardware research and development programs 

Active Secret Security Clearance

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management