# Senior Staff Technical Program Manager (R5270)

[Shield](https://gurify.com/jobs?q=Shield) · Arlington, VA · Posted 6 weeks ago

Principal

[Project Manager](https://gurify.com/jobs/project-manager)

[Apply on the original posting → (opens in a new tab)](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/shield/7baf96e6-de4f-49b7-a1a8-9ad598b6285b)

## 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 https://shield.ai/. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai, X https://x.com/shieldaitech, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai, and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI.

### JOB DESCRIPTION:

### Hivemind Catalyst: A Faster Path to First Flight

Shield AI is building the world's best AI pilot. Hivemind powers intelligent aircraft, drones, and robotic systems that operate autonomously in the most demanding environments. Hivemind Catalyst accelerates the adoption of autonomy by enabling customers to rapidly develop, integrate, test, and deploy sovereign autonomous capabilities on their own platforms.

As a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager for Hivemind Catalyst, you will operate at the intersection of technology, strategy, business development, and execution. You will help customers define their autonomy roadmaps, shape technical solutions, drive software alignment across internal teams, and ensure successful execution of customer programs from initial engagement through delivery.

This role requires exceptional technical judgment, executive communication skills, and the ability to create structure and clarity in highly ambiguous environments. You will work directly with senior engineering leaders, business leaders, international partners, and customers to accelerate the adoption of autonomy at scale.

### What you'll do:

- Program Leadership and Execution

- Lead technical program management activities for Hivemind customer programs.

- Develop technical execution plans that drive technology maturation and successful customer outcomes.

- Establish clear milestones, entry criteria, exit criteria, and measurable success metrics across programs.

- Manage program cost, schedule, scope, risk, dependencies, and resource allocation.

- Track customer spending against contractual budgets and program commitments.

- Identify risks early and drive mitigation strategies that reduce technical, schedule, and business uncertainty.

- Hold internal and external stakeholders accountable to commitments while maintaining strong customer relationships.

### Software and Roadmap Alignment

- Embed closely within Hivemind Enterprise teams to ensure customer needs are accurately represented in product and engineering priorities.

- Drive closed-loop communication between customers, engineering teams, and business stakeholders.

- Support software release planning, roadmap development, prioritization, and resource allocation decisions.

- Ensure technical investments align with strategic priorities, revenue opportunities, and customer outcomes.

- Advocate for the capabilities that create the greatest impact for customers and the business.

### Customer Strategy and Technical Planning

- Review and assess Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, Statements of Work (SOWs), proposals, bids, and customer engagements across domestic and international markets.

- Develop pricing recommendations, high-level technical decompositions, project plans, and execution strategies.

- Partner with customers to define technical roadmaps that accelerate the development, deployment, and operationalization of sovereign autonomy capabilities.

- Help customers establish practical paths from prototype to production and mission-ready deployment.

- Support business development, capture, and growth initiatives through technical planning, proposal development, and customer engagement.

### Internal Strategic Execution

- Own and maintain technical execution roadmaps across internal Catalyst priorities.

- Create structure, prioritization frameworks, and execution plans for internal research and development efforts.

- Drive alignment across multiple technical roadmaps and identify interdependencies, conflicts, and resource constraints.

- Monitor program health, track progress against objectives, and facilitate data-driven decision making.

- Support organizational OKRs and key performance metrics through disciplined execution and reporting.

### Executive Communication and Stakeholder Management

- Develop executive-level communications, briefings, summaries, and decision materials for internal and external stakeholders.

- Support Monthly Portfolio Reviews, Executive Steering Committees, Quarterly Business Reviews, Board Reviews, and other strategic forums.

- Communicate effectively with senior engineering, business, government, and international stakeholders.

- Drive alignment across technical, operational, financial, and strategic priorities.

### Strategic Initiatives

- Lead and support high-impact strategic initiatives that enable company growth and global expansion.

- Partner across engineering, legal, compliance, finance, facilities, business development, and operations teams to solve complex cross-functional challenges.

- Contribute to international expansion efforts, including establishment of new offices, partnerships, and operating models.

### Required qualifications:

-

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

- 5+ years of experience in Technical Program Management within a fast-paced technology organization.

- Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional technical programs involving software, systems, and external stakeholders.

- Experience developing project plans, execution roadmaps, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.

- Strong understanding of software development lifecycles, release planning, and technical product roadmaps.

- Experience supporting customer-facing programs, proposals, SOW development, or technical business development activities.

- Demonstrated ability to drive clarity, alignment, and execution in ambiguous environments.

- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level communications.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make informed decisions using incomplete information.

- Ability to work effectively across engineering, product, business development, finance, and operations organizations.

- Willingness to travel up to 25%, including domestic and international travel.

### Preferred qualifications:

-

- Experience in autonomy, robotics, aerospace, defense technology, aviation, or complex software platforms.

- Experience supporting international customers, partners, or technology programs.

- Experience developing technical proposals, ROMs, pricing strategies, or capture plans.

- Familiarity with government, defense, or national security acquisition environments.

- Experience managing programs involving multiple stakeholders across technical and business domains.

- MBA, Master's degree, or advanced technical degree.

### Why Shield AI:

- At Shield AI, you will help define the future of autonomy. You will work alongside world-class engineers, operators, and business leaders to deliver transformational technology that enables customers to build and deploy sovereign autonomous capabilities faster than ever before.

- If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy solving complex technical and business problems, and want to play a central role in shaping the future of autonomous systems, we'd love to hear from you.

#LI-KC3

#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.

###

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.

**Live in Shield’s hiring system.** Read from the company's own applicant tracking system, not reposted from a job board — so it's a real, open requisition rather than an ad that outlived the role.

We remove it as soon as it disappears at source.

## More jobs like this

- SH [Staff Technical Program Manager, Air Vehicle Systems (R6044)](https://gurify.com/job/staff-technical-program-manager-air-vehicle-systems-r6044-at-shield-4cb6bda19433) Shield · Seattle, WA · last week
- SH [Technical Program Manager - Finance Technology (R6186)](https://gurify.com/job/technical-program-manager-finance-technology-r6186-at-shield-38f5f30aaf50) Shield · San Diego, CA · last week
- SH [Staff Technical Program Manager (R5791)](https://gurify.com/job/staff-technical-program-manager-r5791-at-shield-e8ca7a5b45df) Shield · Dallas, TX · 6 days ago
- SH [Senior Staff Technical Program Manager - Mission Autonomy (6542)](https://gurify.com/job/senior-staff-technical-program-manager-mission-autonomy-6542-at-shield-af89fc349b61) Shield · Arlington, VA · 3 days ago
- SH [Senior Staff Technical Program Manager (R6267)](https://gurify.com/job/senior-staff-technical-program-manager-r6267-at-shield-2c85deeae85c) Shield · San Diego, CA · 4 weeks ago
- XS [Customer Technical Program Manager | Xsight Labs](https://gurify.com/job/customer-technical-program-manager-xsight-labs-at-xsightlabs-88ae7fd1f204) Xsightlabs · Saratoga, CA · last week

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org/","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Senior Staff Technical Program Manager (R5270)","description":"\u003Cp\u003EShield 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\u0026#160;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\u2019s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit\u0026#160;www.shield.ai https://shield.ai/. Follow Shield AI on\u0026#160;LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai,\u0026#160;X https://x.com/shieldaitech,\u0026#160;Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai, and\u0026#160;YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EJOB DESCRIPTION:\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EHivemind Catalyst: A Faster Path to First Flight\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShield AI is building the world\u0026#39;s best AI pilot. Hivemind powers intelligent\u0026#160;aircraft, drones, and robotic systems that\u0026#160;operate\u0026#160;autonomously in the most demanding environments. Hivemind Catalyst accelerates the adoption of autonomy by enabling customers to rapidly develop, integrate, test, and deploy sovereign autonomous capabilities on their own platforms.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager for Hivemind Catalyst, you will\u0026#160;operate\u0026#160;at the intersection of technology, strategy, business development, and execution. You will help customers define their autonomy roadmaps, shape technical solutions, drive software alignment across internal teams, and ensure successful execution of customer programs from\u0026#160;initial\u0026#160;engagement through delivery.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis role requires exceptional technical judgment, executive communication skills, and the ability to create structure and clarity in highly ambiguous environments. You will work directly with senior engineering leaders, business leaders, international partners, and customers to accelerate the adoption of autonomy at scale.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EWhat you\u0026#39;ll do:\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EProgram Leadership and Execution\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELead technical program management activities for Hivemind customer programs.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDevelop technical execution plans that drive technology maturation and successful customer outcomes.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEstablish clear milestones, entry criteria, exit criteria, and measurable success metrics across programs.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EManage program cost, schedule, scope, risk, dependencies, and resource allocation.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETrack customer spending against contractual budgets and program commitments.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIdentify risks early and drive mitigation strategies that reduce technical, schedule, and business uncertainty.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHold internal and external stakeholders accountable to commitments while maintaining strong customer relationships.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ESoftware and Roadmap Alignment\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEmbed closely within\u0026#160;Hivemind\u0026#160;Enterprise\u0026#160;teams to ensure customer needs are accurately represented in product and engineering priorities.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDrive closed-loop communication between customers, engineering teams, and business stakeholders.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESupport software release planning, roadmap development, prioritization, and resource allocation decisions.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EEnsure technical investments align with strategic priorities, revenue opportunities, and customer outcomes.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAdvocate for the capabilities that create the greatest impact for customers and the business.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ECustomer Strategy and Technical Planning\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReview and assess Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, Statements of Work (SOWs), proposals, bids, and customer engagements across domestic and international markets.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDevelop pricing recommendations, high-level technical decompositions, project plans, and execution strategies.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPartner with customers to define technical roadmaps that accelerate the development, deployment, and operationalization of sovereign autonomy capabilities.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHelp customers establish practical paths from prototype to production and mission-ready deployment.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESupport business development, capture, and growth initiatives through technical planning, proposal development, and customer engagement.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EInternal Strategic Execution\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EOwn and\u0026#160;maintain\u0026#160;technical execution roadmaps across internal Catalyst priorities.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECreate structure, prioritization frameworks, and execution plans for internal research and development efforts.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDrive alignment across multiple technical roadmaps and identify interdependencies, conflicts, and resource constraints.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMonitor program health, track progress against objectives, and facilitate data-driven decision making.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESupport organizational OKRs and key performance metrics through disciplined execution and reporting.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EExecutive Communication and Stakeholder Management\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDevelop executive-level communications, briefings, summaries, and decision materials for internal and external stakeholders.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESupport Monthly Portfolio Reviews, Executive Steering Committees, Quarterly Business Reviews, Board Reviews, and other strategic forums.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECommunicate effectively with senior engineering, business, government, and international stakeholders.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDrive alignment across technical, operational, financial, and strategic priorities.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EStrategic Initiatives\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELead and support high-impact strategic initiatives that enable company growth and global expansion.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPartner across engineering, legal, compliance, finance, facilities, business development, and operations teams to solve complex cross-functional challenges.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EContribute to international expansion efforts, including establishment of new offices, partnerships, and operating models.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ERequired qualifications:\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E-\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBachelor\u0026#39;s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E5\u002B years of experience in Technical Program Management within a fast-paced technology organization.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EProven experience leading complex, cross-functional technical programs involving software, systems, and external stakeholders.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExperience developing project plans, execution roadmaps, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStrong understanding of software development lifecycles, release planning, and technical product roadmaps.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExperience supporting customer-facing programs, proposals, SOW development, or technical business development activities.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDemonstrated ability to drive clarity, alignment, and execution in ambiguous environments.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level communications.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make informed decisions using incomplete information.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAbility to work effectively across engineering, product, business development, finance, and operations organizations.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWillingness to travel up to 25%, including domestic and international travel.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EPreferred qualifications:\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E-\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExperience in autonomy, robotics, aerospace, defense technology, aviation, or complex software platforms.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExperience supporting international customers, partners, or technology programs.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExperience developing technical proposals, ROMs, pricing strategies, or capture plans.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFamiliarity with government, defense, or national security acquisition environments.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EExperience managing programs involving multiple stakeholders across technical and business domains.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMBA, Master\u0026#39;s degree, or advanced technical degree.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EWhy Shield AI:\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAt Shield AI, you will help define the future of autonomy. You will work alongside world-class engineers, operators, and business leaders to deliver transformational technology that enables customers to build and deploy sovereign autonomous capabilities faster than ever before.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIf you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy solving complex technical and business problems, and want to play\u0026#160;a central role\u0026#160;in shaping the future of autonomous systems,\u0026#160;we\u0026#39;d\u0026#160;love to hear from you.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E#LI-KC3\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E#LE\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EFull-time regular employee offer package:\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPay within range listed \u002B Bonus \u002B Benefits \u002B Equity\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ETemporary employee offer package:\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPay within range listed above \u002B temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESalary 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.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E###\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to\u0026#160;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.\u003C/p\u003E","identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"Gurify","value":"senior-staff-technical-program-manager-r5270-at-shield-39e7a0bdb7ba"},"url":"https://gurify.com/job/senior-staff-technical-program-manager-r5270-at-shield-39e7a0bdb7ba","datePosted":"2026-10-01","validThrough":"2026-12-29T23:59:59Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Shield","sameAs":"https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/shield"},"directApply":false,"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressCountry":"US","addressLocality":"Arlington"}}}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Jobs","item":"https://gurify.com/jobs"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"United States","item":"https://gurify.com/jobs/united-states"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Senior Staff Technical Program Manager (R5270)","item":"https://gurify.com/job/senior-staff-technical-program-manager-r5270-at-shield-39e7a0bdb7ba"}]}
```