Shield AI

Senior Program Manager (R4932)

Shield AI$120K — $145K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of Program Management experience in Department of Defense.
  • Experience running complex, interrelated defense programs independently.
  • Direct involvement with Navy operational, acquisition, or ISR communities.
  • Track record managing customer-facing defense programs with key performance indicators.
  • Background in developing and executing government contracts and task orders.
  • Strong financial acumen related to complex program financials.
  • Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver exceptional performance in support of Navy missions through effective program management.
  • Collaborate and lead stakeholders to ensure timely, budget-conscious program delivery.
  • Develop and foster relationships with Navy stakeholders, serving as their primary point of contact.
  • Conduct critical path analyses to identify risks and accelerate timelines.
  • Translate customer needs into actionable plans for cross-functional teams.
  • Balance shifting program priorities regarding cost, schedule, and performance metrics.
  • Oversee execution of multiple task orders and lead program activities.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits package.
  • Bonus program linked to performance.
  • Equity options offered to employees.
  • Support for continuous professional development and training.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

The Senior Program Manager will lead the execution and growth of Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs. This role serves as the primary interface between US Navy stakeholders, business development, engineering, operations, and executive leadership to identify opportunities, shape task orders, and successfully deliver mission-critical capabilities to operational customers.

The candidate will possess deep US Navy experience, understand how requirements transition into funded task orders, and will have a proven track record of success leading complex defense programs from opportunity identification through execution. This individual will ensure exceptional customer satisfaction and operational outcomes for Shield AI customers.

What you'll do:
  • Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance in support of Navy missions through flawless program management and leadership
  • Effectively collaborate and lead relevant stakeholders to successfully deliver programs early, under budget, and with exceptional technical performance
  • Develop and maintain trusted relationships with Navy operational, acquisition, and technical stakeholders. Serve as the primary customer-facing lead for assigned programs
  • Complete critical path analyses including the evaluation of potential means to accelerate the pace or mitigate identified risks
  • Translate evolving customer requirements into executable plans across engineering, operations, logistics, and sustainment teams
  • Astutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priories related to cost, schedule, and technical parameters of programs
  • Drive program execution across multiple concurrent task orders and customer organizations.
  • Lead staffing plans, execution strategies, risk assessments, and program activities
  • Establish and maintain accurate program schedules, financial forecasts, staffing plans, and risk registers
  • Drive accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource utilization, contract performance, and project management metrics
  • Establish and lead a consistent cadence of well-organized, well-facilitated, and effective meetings, including driving all preparation and follow up activities
  • Support the growth and maturation of Shield AI's Navy portfolio while positioning the company for follow-on awards and expanded mission scope
  • Support an environment where accountability and program execution excellence are core

Required qualifications:
  • 8+ years of Program Management experience supporting Department of Defense programs.
  • Demonstrated successful experience running advanced programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects, in a self-directed manner
  • Direct experience supporting Navy operational, acquisition, ISR, aviation, maritime, or intelligence communities
  • Proven experience managing customer-facing defense programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, and performance
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, logistics, and business functions
  • Demonstrated experience developing, shaping, capturing, or executing government contracts and task orders
  • Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing complex program financials
  • Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and programs in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrated success driving long-term business objectives
  • Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
  • Demonstrated alignment with Shield AI's values and leadership principles, including accountability, trust, collaboration, and servant leadership
  • Active Secret Security Clearance

Preferred qualifications:
  • Former Navy experience (active duty or civilian)
  • Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, ISR programs, or defense technology programs
  • Familiarity with U.S. Navy operational, acquisition, and technical organizations
  • Experience supporting deployed operations, expeditionary operations, or global logistics networks
  • Experience transitioning new capabilities into operational fleet use
  • PMP certification or equivalent program management training
  • Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management

#LI-AD6

#LE

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.

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops artificially intelligent systems for military applications. The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter, and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Shield AI's products include autonomous drones and software that can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other military operations. The company's mission is to reduce the number of military casualties by providing soldiers with better intelligence and situational awareness. Shield AI has received funding from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund.
Learn more about Shield AI
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Shield AI

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Senior Program Manager (R4932) jobs: