Program Director, Weapons (R5206)

What you'll do:

Lead Weapons Programs 

Serve as the senior program leader responsible for the successful execution of weapon system development, production, integration, test, and deployment programs from concept through operational fielding. 

Drive Cross-Functional Execution 

Lead and coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, operations, flight test, business development, and customer organizations to ensure program objectives are achieved. 

Establish Strategic Program Objectives 

Partner with executive leadership, customers, engineering leaders, product management, and operations teams to define program objectives aligned to mission outcomes, customer success, strategic growth, financial performance, and technical excellence. 

Program & Portfolio Management 

Own development and execution of integrated program plans, including scope, schedules, milestones, budgets, resource allocation, staffing plans, risk management, and customer deliverables. Continuously balance customer priorities, technical risks, production constraints, and business objectives across multiple programs. 

Customer & Stakeholder Leadership 

Serve as the primary interface for customers, government stakeholders, and strategic partners. Build trusted relationships, manage expectations, communicate program status, and ensure successful execution of contractual commitments. 

Production & Deployment Readiness 

Lead readiness activities supporting manufacturing, qualification, integration, test, and operational deployment. Drive closure of technical, operational, and production dependencies required to achieve delivery commitments and fielding objectives. 

Drive Program Performance 

Identify critical path risks, execution bottlenecks, resource conflicts, and cost pressures. Develop and execute mitigation strategies to maintain program performance across schedule, budget, quality, and technical objectives. 

Lead program reviews, executive reviews, customer reviews, Gate Reviews, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Integrated Product Team (IPT) reviews, and Estimates at Completion (EACs). 

Enable High-Quality Decision Making 

Facilitate timely and effective technical, operational, and business decisions across cross-functional teams. Apply sufficient technical understanding to identify risks, challenge assumptions, evaluate tradeoffs, and drive alignment toward program success. 

Communicate with Excellence 

Establish a disciplined operating rhythm that provides visibility into program status, financial performance, risks, customer commitments, production readiness, and strategic priorities. Ensure stakeholders remain informed and aligned at all levels of the organization. 

Drive Operational Excellence 

Support continuous improvement initiatives that improve execution efficiency, scalability, quality, and predictability across development, production, and deployment activities. 

Deliver Business Outcomes 

Own program financial performance, resource planning, revenue forecasts, margin objectives, contract execution, and customer deliverables. Ensure programs meet operational and financial targets while maintaining high standards of technical excellence. 

Support Growth & Strategic Initiatives 

Support capture efforts, proposals, Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), strategic partnerships, customer engagements, and business development activities that expand Shield AI's weapons portfolio and market position. 

Required qualifications:

Typically requires a minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 10 years and a Master's degree; or equivalent experience. 
Experience leading complex defense, aerospace, weapons, or advanced technology programs from development through production and operational deployment. 
Demonstrated success managing large cross-functional teams and delivering programs across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical performance objectives. 
Strong understanding of defense acquisition, systems development, manufacturing, test, and operational fielding. 
Experience managing program financials, contract execution, resource planning, and customer relationships. 
Experience leading Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Integrated Product Team (IPT) reviews, executive reviews, and Estimates at Completion (EACs). 
Exceptional communication, leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. 
Strong analytical and strategic planning capabilities with the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-growth environments. 
Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and ability to drive execution through influence and leadership. 

Preferred qualifications:

Experience leading weapon system, missile, loitering munition, UAS, or autonomous system programs. 
Experience supporting programs for DoD, SOCOM, service laboratories, or defense prime contractors. 
Experience transitioning programs from development into production and sustainment. 
Familiarity with defense contracting, FAR/DFARS requirements, acquisition processes, and government program execution. 
PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials. 
Experience managing classified programs and customer engagements. 
Experience balancing aggressive schedules, technical innovation, and production scalability. 
Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance.