Senior Program Manager (R4932)

Shield 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. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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.

Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance in support of Navy missions through flawless program management and leadership

Effectively collaborate and lead relevant stakeholders to successfully deliver programs early, under budget, and with exceptional technical performance

Develop and maintain trusted relationships with Navy operational, acquisition, and technical stakeholders. Serve as the primary customer-facing lead for assigned programs

Complete critical path analyses including the evaluation of potential means to accelerate the pace or mitigate identified risks

Translate evolving customer requirements into executable plans across engineering, operations, logistics, and sustainment teams

Astutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priories related to cost, schedule, and technical parameters of programs

Drive program execution across multiple concurrent task orders and customer organizations.

Lead staffing plans, execution strategies, risk assessments, and program activities

Establish and maintain accurate program schedules, financial forecasts, staffing plans, and risk registers

Drive accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource utilization, contract performance, and project management metrics

Establish and lead a consistent cadence of well-organized, well-facilitated, and effective meetings, including driving all preparation and follow up activities

Support the growth and maturation of Shield AI's Navy portfolio while positioning the company for follow-on awards and expanded mission scope

Support an environment where accountability and program execution excellence are core

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 manner

Direct experience supporting Navy operational, acquisition, ISR, aviation, maritime, or intelligence communities

Proven experience managing customer-facing defense programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, and performance

Experience leading cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, logistics, and business functions

Demonstrated experience developing, shaping, capturing, or executing government contracts and task orders

Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing complex program financials

Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities and programs in a fast-paced environment

Demonstrated success driving long-term business objectives

Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet

Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed 

Demonstrated alignment with Shield AI's values and leadership principles, including accountability, trust, collaboration, and servant leadership

Active Secret Security Clearance

Former Navy experience (active duty or civilian)

Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, ISR programs, or defense technology programs

Familiarity with U.S. Navy operational, acquisition, and technical organizations

Experience supporting deployed operations, expeditionary operations, or global logistics networks

Experience transitioning new capabilities into operational fleet use

PMP certification or equivalent program management training

Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management

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