Program Manager (R4930)

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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 a

bility 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-tim …