Head of Technical Programme Management

A Faster Path to First FlightShield AI is building the world's best AI pilot. Hivemind powers intelligent aircraft, drones, and robotic systems that operate autonomously in the most demanding environments. Hivemind Catalyst accelerates the adoption of autonomy by enabling customers to rapidly develop, integrate, test, and deploy sovereign autonomous capabilities on their own platforms.As a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager for Hivemind Catalyst, you will operate at the intersection of technology, strategy, business development, and execution. You will help customers define their autonomy roadmaps, shape technical solutions, drive software alignment across internal teams, and ensure successful execution of customer programs from initial engagement through delivery.This role requires exceptional technical judgment, executive communication skills, and the ability to create structure and clarity in highly ambiguous environments. You will work directly with senior engineering leaders, business leaders, international partners, and customers to accelerate the adoption of autonomy at scale.What you'll do:Program Leadership and ExecutionLead technical program management activities for Hivemind customer programs.Develop technical execution plans that drive technology maturation and successful customer outcomes.Manage program cost, schedule, scope, risk, dependencies, and resource allocation.Track customer spending against contractual budgets and program commitments.Identify risks early and drive mitigation strategies that reduce technical, schedule, and business uncertainty.Hold internal and external stakeholders accountable to commitments while maintaining strong customer relationships.Software and Roadmap AlignmentEmbed closely within Hivemind Enterprise teams to ensure customer needs are accurately represented in product and engineering priorities.Drive closed-loop communication between customers, engineering teams, and business stakeholders.Support software release planning, roadmap development, prioritization, and resource allocation decisions.Ensure technical investments align with strategic priorities, revenue opportunities, and customer outcomes.Advocate for the capabilities that create the greatest impact for customers and the business.Customer Strategy and Technical PlanningReview and assess Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, Statements of Work (SOWs), proposals, bids, and customer engagements across domestic and international markets.Develop pricing recommendations, high-level technical decompositions, project plans, and execution strategies.Partner with customers to define technical roadmaps that accelerate the development, deployment, and operationalization of sovereign autonomy capabilities.Help customers establish practical paths from prototype to production and mission-ready deployment.Support business development, capture, and growth initiatives through technical planning, proposal development, and customer engagement.Create structure, prioritization frameworks, and execution plans for internal research and development efforts.Monitor program health, track progress against objectives, and facilitate data-driven decision making.Support organizational OKRs and key performance metrics through disciplined execution and reporting.Executive Communication and Stakeholder ManagementDevelop executive-level communications, briefings, summaries, and decision materials for internal and external stakeholders.Communicate effectively with senior engineering, business, government, and international stakeholders.Drive alignment across technical, operational, financial, and strategic priorities.Partner across engineering, legal, compliance, finance, facilities, business development, and operations teams to solve complex cross-functional challenges.Contribute to international expansion efforts, including establishment of new offices, partnerships, and operating models.Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.5+ years of experience in Technical Program Management within a fast-paced technology organization.Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional technical programs involving software, systems, and external stakeholders.Experience developing project plans, execution roadmaps, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.Strong understanding of software development lifecycles, release planning, and technical product roadmaps.Experience supporting customer-facing programs, proposals, SOW development, or technical business development activities.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level communications.Ability to work effectively across engineering, product, business development, finance, and operations organizations.Willingness to travel up to 25%, including domestic and international travel.Experience in autonomy, robotics, aerospace, defense technology, aviation, or complex software platforms.Experience supporting international customers, partners, or technology programs.Experience managing programs involving multiple stakeholders across technical and business domains.MBA, Master's degree, or advanced technical degree.Why Shield AI:At Shield AI, you will help define the future of autonomy. You will work alongside world-class engineers, operators, and business leaders to deliver transformational technology that enables customers to build and deploy sovereign autonomous capabilities faster than ever before.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. 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.