Technical Program Manager – Mission Autonomy

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead the integration of its Hivemind autonomy stack onto the X‑BAT aircraft. The role sits within the Aircraft division and acts as the primary coordination point between aircraft engineering and autonomy software teams, driving mission‑ready autonomous systems.

Key responsibilities

• Own the end‑to‑end integration program for Hivemind autonomy software on X‑BAT, aligning hardware and software schedules, budgets, and technical performance.
• Partner with aircraft engineering to synchronize software development with hardware integration, manufacturing, lab availability, and flight‑test timelines.
• Define clear program objectives with product managers, engineering leads, operations, and executive leadership.
• Develop and execute integrated project plans, manage scope, milestones, dependencies, and resources.
• Facilitate rapid technical and programmatic decision‑making, identify risks, and drive mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate system integration activities across labs, ground tests, and flight‑test operations, ensuring readiness reviews and gate reviews are completed.
• Maintain consistent communication cadence, prepare meeting materials, track actions, and report program status to stakeholders.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience leading complex cross‑functional engineering programs from concept to production.
• Strong technical understanding of software‑enabled systems, autonomy, and aerospace integration.
• Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical performance in fast‑paced environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across distributed teams.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance.

Required skills

• Program Management Reviews (PMRs) and gate review processes
• PMP certification
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification
• Experience with defense acquisition or DoD contracting processes