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Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft, and simulation technologies for military and government customers worldwide. This role leads program management for international defense programs, serving as the primary customer-facing executive for assigned initiatives.
You will manage multiple concurrent international defense programs with full ownership of cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction. Key responsibilities include:
• Lead execution of complex international programs (DCS, FMS, or hybrid structures) with direct accountability for budget, timeline, and deliverables
• Serve as primary customer interface for assigned programs, including regular in-country engagement with international government and military stakeholders
• Manage international industrial partnerships, including in-country production, assembly, sustainment, and technology-transfer initiatives
• Navigate complex international contracts, working with Legal, Contracts, and Finance to resolve issues, manage changes, and protect company interests
• Ensure compliance with U.S. export-control regulations (ITAR/EAR), including TAAs, MLAs, and export licenses in partnership with Trade Compliance
• Provide oversight, mentorship, and escalation support to in-country and junior program managers
• Translate evolving customer requirements into executable plans across engineering, production, supply chain, logistics, training, and sustainment
• Develop and maintain accurate program schedules, financial forecasts, staffing plans, and risk/opportunity registers
• Drive critical path analyses and identify means to accelerate delivery or mitigate risks
• Balance shifting customer priorities across cost, schedule, and technical parameters
• Prepare and deliver program reviews and status updates for executive leadership and senior customer stakeholders
• Support business development and capture teams on regional pursuits, including proposal pricing and execution planning
• Lead effective cross-timezone meetings with strong preparation and follow-up discipline
REQUIREMENTS:
• 8+ years of program management experience supporting defense or aerospace programs
• Demonstrated experience managing international defense programs for foreign government or military customers (DCS, FMS, or hybrid structures)
• Proven track record running advanced programs with multiple interrelated projects in a self-directed manner
• Experience managing customer-facing programs with full responsibility for cost, schedule, and performance
• Experience managing complex contracts, including contract changes, disputes, and milestone/payment-based structures
• Working knowledge of U.S. export-control regulations (ITAR/EAR) and their impact on program execution
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across engineering, production, supply chain, logistics, and business functions
• Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing complex program financials
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills, including executive-level briefing capability
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and programs in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally on a frequent basis, including extended trips
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR
PREFERRED:
• Experience working with international customers or industrial partners in the Middle East, South Asia, or Asia-Pacific
• Experience supporting international industrial partnerships, co-production, offsets/industrial participation, or in-country manufacturing stand-up
• Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, ISR programs, or defense technology programs
• Experience managing or mentoring program managers
• PMP certification or equivalent program management training
• Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management
