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Program Manager, VBAT Programs (R4566)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

We are seeking a Program Manager to lead a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) program for international customers which will deliver transformative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.

What you'll do:

  • Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance in support of customer/end-user’s mission through flawless program management.
  • Effectively collaborate, motivate, and lead relevant stakeholders to successfully deliver early, under budget, and with exceptional technical performance. 
  • Manage customer relationships and act as the key point of contact for the program  
  • Astutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priories related to cost, schedule, and technical parameters of programs.  
  • Provide hands-on management of all aspects of the program
  • Drive the accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource, and project management standard metrics  
  • Complete critical path analyses including the evaluation of potential means to accelerate the pace or mitigate identified risks 
  • Identify potential bottlenecks or delays in programs and drive efforts to ensure projects stay on schedule 
  • Partner with leadership to guide prioritization of projects and utilization of resources
  • Establish and lead a consistent cadence of well-organized, well-facilitated, and effective meetings, including driving all preparation and follow up activities
  • Support an environment where accountability and program execution excellence are core 
  • Report directly to Shield AI’s Director of DCS Programs 

Required qualifications:

  • Aerospace and Defense Program Management experience with either Department of Defense or Direct Commercial Sale programs
  • Deep expertise in project and program management 
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed 
  • Ability to focus on long-term business objectives 
  • Ability to run advanced projects/programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects, in a manner that is largely self-directed 
  • Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet. 
  • Significant experience and excellent skills with Microsoft Office Suite 
  • Excellent skills in leadership, time management, organization, team management 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal and written ability 
  • Expert understanding of complex project financials 
  • A demonstrated record of working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others 

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles 
  • Familiarity with aviation product delivery, training, maintenance, sustainment, and field support
  • Undergraduate degree in engineering or business
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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