Technical Program Manager, Maritime at Shield AI in Washington, DC

Job description

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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. We are looking for an exceptional Senior Staff Technical Program Manager to join our Maritime Domain team, integrating Shield AI’s Hivemind Autonomy stack onto Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and, in the future, Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs). Your role will include starting programs from the ground up and guiding them through production and into operational employment. This role requires a self-starter who can integrate quickly with a fast-moving, highly competent team. You will drive alignment across software development and integration activities with domestic and international customers while remaining synchronized with Business Development colleagues. This role requires close coordination with colleagues across Shield AI’s international teams, including offices in Europe and Asia, and a motivated, cross-functional leadership approach. The ideal candidate has a combination of government and commercial program management experience, with strong, established fundamentals in coordinating complex, first-of-a-kind integration efforts. You will be responsible for driving cost, schedule, integration readiness, risk management, and successful operational outcomes while pushing the boundaries of maritime autonomy. We are looking for a candidate who can think critically and creatively while leveraging a firm foundation in managing risk across new and foundational programs. What you'll do: Lead Assigned Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Autonomy and Future Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) Integration Programs • Serve as the program manager for assigned USV programs, leading the integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software onto USV platforms. • Support the development and execution of future UUV autonomy integration programs as opportunities mature. Establish Clear Objectives • Work closely with product managers, engineering leads, operations, and executive leadership to define clear program objectives tied to mission impact, customer success, strategic growth, financial outcomes, and technical performance. Program & Project Management · Own the development and execution of integrated program and project plans, including scope, schedules, milestones, dependencies, budgets, and resource allocation. Continuously evaluate and rebalance customer priorities, technical risks, cost constraints, and schedule demands throughout the program. Drive Timely, High-Quality Decisions • Facilitate rigorous, fast, and effective technical and programmatic decision-making across cross-functional teams. While not expected to design systems directly, you will possess sufficient technical depth to identify risks, challenge assumptions, and drive alignment. Hands-on experience with software or autonomy products is an accelerator. Integration & Test Readiness • Coordinate system integration activities across labs, ground testing, and sea trial operations. Drive readiness reviews, integration milestones, and closure of technical dependencies required to support successful USV/UUV integration and operational deployment. • Identify potential bottlenecks, critical-path risks, and schedule delays, and drive mitigation strategies to achieve program milestones and delivery commitments. Conduct critical-path analyses and support program execution through Gate Reviews, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), and Estimates at Completion (EACs). Communicate with Excellence • Drive a consistent cadence of well-organized, effective meetings, including pr