Sr. Director Program Management - Strategic Systems (R4980)

Shield AI, Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Washington, DC

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Lead the shaping and execution of a portfolio of strategic programs centered on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, ensuring alignment with product roadmaps and organizational growth objectives.
• Direct internal investment projects to drive the development and commercialization of Hivemind-based solutions across multiple new domains.
• Manage active customer-funded contracts and internal product development programs, ensuring on-time, on-target delivery with excellence in execution.
• Oversee a team of Technical Program Managers responsible for delivering both internally funded R&D initiatives and externally funded customer programs.
• Define and allocate required resources to transition new Hivemind products from development to market, including cross-functional coordination across Engineering, Product, and Operations.
• Collaborate closely with Product and Engineering leadership to scale the Hivemind business, identify new opportunities, and align program priorities with strategic company goals.
• Ensure program execution adheres to defense-sector standards and contractual obligations, maintaining compliance and quality across all deliverables.
• Establish program metrics, reporting frameworks, and governance processes to track progress, mitigate risks, and communicate status to executive leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for program outcomes, including schedule adherence, budget management, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive cross-functional alignment between technical teams, business units, and external stakeholders to enable seamless integration of Hivemind capabilities into operational systems.
• Anticipate and resolve program-level bottlenecks, resource constraints, and technical dependencies to maintain momentum and delivery cadence.
• Represent Shield AI in high-stakes program reviews with government and defense industry partners, ensuring clear communication of capabilities, timelines, and value propositions.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence within the program management team.
• Maintain awareness of evolving defense technology trends and regulatory environments to inform program strategy and risk mitigation.
• Ensure all program activities comply with applicable U.S. defense contracting regulations and export control requirements.

🎯 Requirements

• Proven experience managing complex defense technology programs with multi-million-dollar budgets and tight regulatory constraints
• Demonstrated leadership of a team of Technical Program Managers in a high-stakes engineering or defense environment
• Deep understanding of product development lifecycles for autonomous systems or AI-driven software platforms
• Experience managing both internally funded R&D and externally funded customer contracts in the defense or aerospace sector
• Strong track record of delivering on-time, on-budget programs with high-quality outcomes
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior Engineering and Product leadership to align program execution with strategic roadmaps

🏖️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth

Skills & Technologies

Senior

Onsite

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Shield AI, Inc.

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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.

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