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Shield AI is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) autonomy integration programs and support future Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) initiatives. This role sits at the intersection of advanced autonomy software, maritime platforms, and defense operations.
You will serve as the primary program manager for assigned USV programs, driving the integration of Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software onto USV platforms. Working closely with product managers, engineering leads, operations, and executive leadership, you will define clear program objectives tied to mission impact, customer success, strategic growth, financial outcomes, and technical performance.
Key responsibilities include owning integrated program and project plans (scope, schedules, milestones, dependencies, budgets, resource allocation), facilitating rigorous cross-functional decision-making, and coordinating system integration activities across labs, ground testing, and sea trial operations. You will identify critical-path risks, drive mitigation strategies, and conduct analyses to support Gate Reviews, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), and Estimates at Completion (EACs).
You will establish a consistent cadence of well-organized meetings to keep stakeholders aligned on status, milestones, priorities, risks, and technical challenges. You will support development of technical and operational documentation, engineering change orders, work instructions, and integration documentation. Additionally, you will empower teams by removing obstacles, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of ownership and urgency.
The role includes driving accurate tracking and reporting of program financials, resources, schedules, and customer deliverables, as well as supporting business development activities related to autonomy integration programs, including proposals, RFIs, RFPs, and strategic customer engagements. International travel is required.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree (or 9 years with Master's degree, or 7 years with PhD, or equivalent work experience)
- Experience leading complex cross-functional engineering programs from concept through production and operational deployment
- Strong technical understanding of software-enabled systems, autonomy, aerospace systems, or complex integrated products
- Demonstrated success managing program execution across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical performance in fast-paced environments
- Experience with Program Management Reviews (PMRs), gate reviews, and estimates
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with ability to lead through influence across distributed teams
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and ability to drive execution with high standards and collaboration
- Willingness to travel internationally
PREFERRED:
- Experience integrating autonomy or software systems onto defense platforms
- Background in software development, autonomy development, or systems engineering
- Experience managing clean-sheet defense or technology development programs
- PMP and/or Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification
- Familiarity with DoD contracting, defense acquisition, or national security programs
- Experience balancing aggressive timelines with complex engineering constraints
- Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance or higher
