Senior Staff Technical Program Manager (R5595)

The role

You will lead end-to-end technical program management for AI pilot development and deployment across autonomous systems such as UAVs, USVs and UUVs. The role runs from early concept through field testing and deployment, working with customers, defence stakeholders and internal teams.

What you will do

• Lead and deliver end-to-end technical program management
• Oversee the full program lifecycle: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and closure
• Fulfil contractual and customer deliverables on time and with clarity
• Build and maintain relationships with government, defence, suppliers and technical teams
• Operate with sensitivity to cultural, political and military dynamics
• Conduct critical path analysis, manage earned value tracking and report program health
• Identify and mitigate risks and blockers
• Lead organised meetings with clear actions and follow-up
• Support business development: EOIs, RFTs, RFIs, proposals and unsolicited submissions

Required qualifications

• Significant experience as a technical project or program manager in complex engineering or technology domains
• Proven track record of delivering complex, cross-functional projects aligned with business strategy
• Experience managing 0 to 1 product development cycles
• Strong commercial understanding of project financials, including earned value management, estimates at completion and contract data requirements
• Proficiency in project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Vena or Salesforce
• Experience working with or within the Australian Defence Force
• Outstanding communication, leadership, organisation and influencing skills
• A proactive, dependable and collaborative mindset

Nice to have

• Experience with software or autonomy development programs
• Familiarity with the ASDEFCON (or equivalent) contracting suite
• Exposure to multi-national teams, flight test campaigns or airworthiness certification
• PMP or Certified Scrum Master (CSM) accreditation
• Experience working with or managing international defence related projects

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Salary depends on skill set, experience, licenses and certifications, and work location

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defence technology company building intelligent autonomous systems for aircraft, with a mission to protect service members and civilians through AI and autonomy. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.