Technical Program Manager, Maritime (R6148)

The role

This person will lead Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software integration programs on Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and support future Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) integration programs. The role covers program planning, schedules, budgets, risk, integration readiness, and coordination with customers and internal teams.

What you will do

• Serve as program manager for assigned USV programs, leading integration of Hivemind autonomy software onto USV platforms
• Support development and execution of future UUV autonomy integration programs
• Work with product, engineering, operations and executive leaders to define program objectives tied to mission impact, customer success, financial outcomes and technical performance
• Own integrated program and project plans, including scope, schedules, milestones, dependencies, budgets and resource allocation
• Facilitate technical and programmatic decisions across cross-functional teams
• Coordinate system integration across labs, ground testing and sea trial operations
• Identify critical-path risks and delays, and drive mitigation strategies
• Conduct critical-path analyses and support Gate Reviews, Program Management Reviews (PMRs) and Estimates at Completion (EACs)
• Support technical and operational documentation and integration documentation
• Support business development activities, including proposals, RFIs, RFPs and customer engagements

Required qualifications

• Typically a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 9 years with a Master's degree; or 7 years with a 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 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 the 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
• Willingness to travel internationally

Nice to have

• Experience integrating autonomy or software systems onto defense platforms
• Experience 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

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity
• Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment for temporary employees)

Before you apply

• Offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance or higher is listed as preferred
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.