Senior Program Manager

Senior Program ManagerShield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide.Job Description:The Senior Program Manager will lead the execution and growth of Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs. This role serves as the primary interface between US Navy stakeholders, business development, engineering, operations, and executive leadership to identify opportunities, shape task orders, and successfully deliver mission-critical capabilities to operational customers.The candidate will possess deep US Navy experience, understand how requirements transition into funded task orders, and will have a proven track record of success leading complex defense programs from opportunity identification through execution. This individual will ensure exceptional customer satisfaction and operational outcomes for Shield AI customers.What you'll do:Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance in support of Navy missions through flawless program management and leadershipEffectively collaborate and lead relevant stakeholders to successfully deliver programs early, under budget, and with exceptional technical performanceDevelop and maintain trusted relationships with Navy operational, acquisition, and technical stakeholders. Serve as the primary customer-facing lead for assigned programsComplete critical path analyses including the evaluation of potential means to accelerate the pace or mitigate identified risksTranslate evolving customer requirements into executable plans across engineering, operations, logistics, and sustainment teamsAstutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priories related to cost, schedule, and technical parameters of programsDrive program execution across multiple concurrent task orders and customer organizations.Lead staffing plans, execution strategies, risk assessments, and program activitiesEstablish and maintain accurate program schedules, financial forecasts, staffing plans, and risk registersDrive accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource utilization, contract performance, and project management metricsEstablish and lead a consistent cadence of well-organized, well-facilitated, and effective meetings, including driving all preparation and follow up activitiesSupport the growth and maturation of Shield AI's Navy portfolio while positioning the company for follow-on awards and expanded mission scopeSupport an environment where accountability and program execution excellence are coreRequired qualifications:8+ years of Program Management experience supporting Department of Defense programs.Demonstrated successful experience running advanced programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects, in a self-directed mannerDirect experience supporting Navy operational, acquisition, ISR, aviation, maritime, or intelligence communitiesProven experience managing customer-facing defense programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, and performanceExperience leading cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, logistics, and business functionsDemonstrated experience developing, shaping, capturing, or executing government contracts and task ordersStrong business and financial acumen with experience managing complex program financialsExcellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and programs in a fast-paced environmentDemonstrated success driving long-term business objectivesExperience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or SmartsheetWillingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as neededDemonstrated alignment with Shield AI's values and leadership principles, including accountability, trust, collaboration, and servant leadershipActive Secret Security ClearancePreferred qualifications:Former Navy experience (active duty or civilian)Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, ISR programs, or defense technology programsFamiliarity with U.S. Navy operational, acquisition, and technical organizationsExperience supporting deployed operations, expeditionary operations, or global logistics networksExperience transitioning new capabilities into operational fleet usePMP certification or equivalent program management trainingUndergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management$140,000 - $210,000 a yearFull-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + EquityTemporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.