Senior Staff Technical Program Manager at Shield AI

Department: Hivemind Solutions Division

Compensation

$184,320 – $276,480/yr

Setup: On-site
Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Type: Full-time
Level: staff+
Posted: Sep 16, 2026

Description

Shield AI is hiring a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager for its Maritime Domain team to lead unmanned surface vehicle autonomy integration programs and support future unmanned undersea vehicle programs. The role manages program and project plans, integration readiness, technical risks, schedules, budgets, customer deliverables, and operational outcomes while coordinating with engineering, product, business development, and international teams. Candidates need extensive related experience, a relevant degree or equivalent experience, strong technical and stakeholder-management skills, and willingness to travel internationally.

Required Skills

Program management
Autonomy
Stakeholder management
Risk management
Systems engineering
Technical performance

Additional Information

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience; alternatively, a Master’s degree with 9 years of experience or a PhD with 7 years of experience.
Required Previous Experiences: At least 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 9 years with a Master’s degree, or 7 years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.
Leading complex cross-functional engineering programs from concept through production and operational deployment.
Experience with Program Management Reviews, gate reviews, and estimates.
Integrating autonomy or software systems onto defense platforms.
Experience in software development, autonomy development, or systems engineering.
Managing clean-sheet defense or technology development programs.
Balancing aggressive timelines with complex engineering constraints.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience integrating autonomy or software systems onto defense platforms.
Experience in software development, autonomy development, or systems engineering.
Experience managing clean-sheet defense or technology development programs.
PMP and/or Certified Scrum Master certification.
Familiarity with DoD contracting, defense acquisition, or national security programs.
Experience balancing aggressive timelines with complex engineering constraints.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance or higher.