Shield AI
X-BAT Program Management
SeniorTechnicalProgramManager
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Senior Technical Program Manager at Shield AI. Skills: Technical Program Management, Aerospace Systems, Autonomous Aircraft, Flight Demonstration. Lead day-to-day execution of the Hopper Demonstration Program. Drive integrated program planning”
Industry & Context.
Problem solving; Decision-making
Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline, 8+ years of experience in aerospace, unmanned systems, autonomous systems, or advanced aircraft development programs, Technical background in Flight controls, Technical background in Aerodynamics / flight sciences, Technical background in Vehicle integration, Technical background in Systems engineering, Technical background in Aerostructures, Technical background in Flight test, Experience working on complex integrated aerospace systems or unmanned aircraft platforms, Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional technical teams, Driving execution across subsystem boundaries, Understanding of systems integration, Understanding of technical risk management, Understanding of development lifecycle execution, Ability to communicate effectively with highly technical engineering teams, Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, Organizational skills, Leadership skills, Decision-making skills, U. S. Person status required
Nice to Have
Experience supporting aircraft demonstration programs, Experience supporting rapid prototyping efforts, Prior experience in unmanned systems, Prior experience in autonomy, Prior experience in VTOL, Prior experience in advanced mobility platforms, Experience operating in fast-paced development organizations, Experience operating in flight test organizations, Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE), Familiarity with requirements management, Familiarity with configuration management processes, Experience with integrated flight test planning, Experience with integrated flight test execution, Prior technical leadership transitioning into program management, Prior technical leadership transitioning into technical program leadership, Active U. S. security clearance
What You'll Do.
Lead day-to-day execution of the Hopper Demonstration Program
Drive integrated program planning
Drive technical coordination
Drive execution tracking across multiple subsystem teams
Coordinate activities spanning flight controls
Coordinate activities spanning aero/performance
Coordinate activities spanning aerostructures
Coordinate activities spanning avionics
Coordinate activities spanning autonomy
Coordinate activities spanning software
Coordinate activities spanning vehicle integration
Partner closely with engineering leads
Identify technical risks
Identify integration gaps
Identify critical path dependencies
Support development of demonstration campaigns
Support execution of demonstration campaigns
Support development of flight readiness activities
Support execution of flight readiness activities
Support development of test event planning
Support execution of test event planning
Facilitate technical reviews
Facilitate milestone assessments
Facilitate configuration reviews
Facilitate executive program updates
Drive cross-functional alignment between design
Drive cross-functional alignment between manufacturing
Drive cross-functional alignment between integration
Drive cross-functional alignment between test
Drive cross-functional alignment between operational teams
Help mature systems integration processes
Help mature demonstration workflows
Help mature execution rigor across the program
Communicate program status
Track technical risks
Communicate technical risks
Track mitigation plans
Communicate mitigation plans
Track schedule impacts
Communicate schedule impacts to leadership
Support rapid problem solving
Support decision-making in dynamic development environments
Support decision-making in flight test environments
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Cross-functional integration; Subsystem teams; Engineering leads; Design teams; Manufacturing teams; Integration teams; Test teams; Operational teams; Engineering teams; Executive leadership
Communication Scope
Communicate effectively; Executive program updates
Process & Methodology
Program execution, Technical coordination, Execution tracking, Risk management, Milestone assessments, Configuration reviews, Program updates, Systems integration processes, Demonstration workflows, Execution rigor
Full Job Description
## Description Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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: Shield AI is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead execution of the Hopper Demonstration Program within the XBAT organization. This role is responsible for driving cross-functional integration, technical execution, demonstration readiness, and program coordination across a fast-paced autonomous aircraft development effort. This position is intentionally geared toward highly technical leaders who bring deep aerospace systems experience and are capable of operating effectively across flight sciences, vehicle integration, aerostructures, autonomy, test, and operations teams. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering intuition with disciplined program execution and thrives in environments where rapid iteration, systems integration, and flight demonstration timelines intersect. This role will serve as a key integrator across engineering and program functions, helping align technical execution with demonstration objectives, risk reduction activities, and operational milestones. ## What you'll do Lead day-to-day execution of the Hopper Demonstration Program across engineering, integration, flight test, and operations stakeholders Drive integrated program planning, technical coordination, and execution tracking across multiple subsystem teams Coordinate activities spanning flight controls, aero/performance, aerostructures, avionics, autonomy, software, and vehicle integration Partner closely with engineering leads to identify technical risks, integ
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