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NEXTMOVEFDE careers · United States
Shield AI

Technical Program Manager, Mission Autonomy (R5052)

AI summary of the role

Lead integration of Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software onto next-generation aircraft platforms, from concept through production and operational deployment.

No longer in the current catalog. Last included 2026-09-09. Check the employer’s posting for availability.

What you’ll do

  • Lead integration of Hivemind autonomy software onto next-generation aircraft platforms, from concept through production and operational deployment.
  • Drive alignment between hardware and software development, ensuring synchronization with manufacturing, lab availability, and flight test schedules.
  • Own integrated project plans including scope, schedules, milestones, dependencies, budgets, and resource allocation.
  • Coordinate system integration across labs, ground test, and flight test operations; drive readiness reviews and closure of technical dependencies.

What you’ll bring

  • Minimum 10 years related experience with Bachelor's degree; or 9 years with Master's; or 7 years with PhD; or equivalent.
  • Experience leading complex cross-functional engineering programs from concept through production and operational deployment.
  • Strong technical understanding of software-enabled systems, autonomy, aerospace systems, or complex integrated products.
  • Demonstrated success managing program execution across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical performance.

Technologies

Hivemind · autonomy software · aircraft integration · flight test · systems engineering · PMP · CSM · DoD contracting

About Shield AI

Builds AI pilot software, aircraft, and vision systems that let militaries and OEMs develop, deploy, and operate mission autonomy in contested environments.

Unicorn

Source and classification

Internal deployment & tooling · Evidence for this classification:

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. Job Description: We are looking for an exceptional Technical Program Manager to lead the integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy stack onto next-generation aircraft platforms, guiding programs from concept through production and operational deployment. This role is embedded within the Aircraft division and serves as a critical coordination point between the aircraft
More from the 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. Job Description: We are looking for an exceptional Technical Program Manager to lead the integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy stack onto next-generation aircraft platforms, guiding programs from concept through production and operational deployment. This role is embedded within the Aircraft division and serves as a critical coordination point between the aircraft engineering and autonomy software teams to deliver mission-ready autonomous systems. You will drive alignment across hardware and software development activities, ensuring aircraft, autonomy software, and operational teams remain synchronized throughout the full product lifecycle. This role requires close coordination with distributed engineering teams across Arlington, VA and San Diego, CA. The ideal candidate combines strong technical program management fundamentals with hands-on experience [... source excerpt omitted ...] ration efforts. You will drive schedule, cost, technical performance, integration readiness, and operational outcomes while helping define the future of autonomous aviation. What you'll do: Lead Aircraft & Autonomy Integration Programs Serve as the program manager responsible for the successful integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software onto next-generation aircraft platforms. Drive Hardware & Software Alignment Operate as an embedded partner to aircraft engineering teams ensuring software development aligns with hardware integration, manufacturing, lab availability, and flight test schedules. Establish Clear Objectives Work closely with product managers, engi [... source excerpt omitted ...] n development and execution of integrated 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. Integration & Flight Test Readiness Coordinate system integration activities across labs, ground

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