Program Manager (R4930)

Shield AI, Inc.

Job Overview

Location

United States

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Lead end-to-end execution and operational maturity for global Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) deployments supporting contracted intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
• Serve as the primary liaison between flight operations, logistics, sustainment teams, subcontractors, finance, and customer stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and mission success.
• Drive disciplined execution across cross-functional teams in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with high operational tempo and mission-critical deadlines.
• Design, implement, and scale operational processes that enhance efficiency, reliability, and scalability of global UAS deployments.
• Monitor and report on program performance metrics, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies to maintain mission readiness.
• Coordinate with international teams and partners across U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions to align deployment timelines, regulatory requirements, and operational standards.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, security protocols, and defense industry standards for all COCO UAS operations.
• Manage program budgets and resource allocation in collaboration with finance teams to optimize cost-efficiency without compromising mission objectives.
• Facilitate regular stakeholder briefings and reporting to customers, leadership, and internal teams to maintain transparency and alignment on program status.
• Lead post-mission reviews and lessons learned sessions to continuously improve operational procedures and system sustainment practices.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to provide operational feedback that informs future UAS design, autonomy software updates, and system enhancements.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of operational workflows, deployment checklists, and compliance records for audit readiness and knowledge transfer.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of field operations personnel, subcontractors, and technical support staff as needed for global mission expansion.
• Represent Shield AI in external engagements with defense contractors, government agencies, and international partners regarding UAS deployment capabilities.
• Proactively identify opportunities to expand COCO program scope, increase operational capacity, and enhance customer value through scalable solutions.

🎯 Requirements

• Proven experience managing complex, global defense or aerospace programs with operational deployments
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams across logistics, flight operations, finance, and subcontractor management
• Strong understanding of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, or defense technology operations
• Experience working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with mission-critical timelines
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to translate technical operations into executive-level reporting
• Proven track record of building scalable operational processes in high-regulation environments

🏖️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Professional development and training opportunities

Skills & Technologies

Onsite

Ready to Apply?

Apply Externally

You will be redirected to an external site to apply.

AI Job Fit Analysis

Pro

See exactly how your profile matches this role — strengths, skill gaps, and what to do about them.

Shield AI, Inc.

Visit Website

About Shield AI, Inc.

Shield AI develops autonomous systems and artificial intelligence for defense and commercial aviation. Its Hivemind AI pilot enables unmanned aircraft and drones to operate without GPS, communications, or remote pilots. The company’s products include the V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing drone and software for fighter aircraft autonomy. Founded in 2015, Shield AI serves U.S. and allied military forces, focusing on contested environments and battlefield applications. The company integrates machine learning, sensor fusion, and edge computing to provide resilient, intelligent platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.

View Company Profile

Get more remote jobs like this

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for similar remote roles and curated hiring updates.

Weekly remote jobs and featured talent.

No spam. Only curated remote roles and product updates. You can unsubscribe anytime.