Principal Technical Program Manager (R3882) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, Defense, Autonomous SystemsIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • 10+ years of experience in technical program management or managing complex product development lifecycles
  • Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex engineering programs from concept to production
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive clarity and structure in fast-paced, dynamic environments
  • Exceptional communication skills, capable of synthesizing technical details and business priorities into actionable plans
  • Ability to quickly learn and develop specialized knowledge in emerging technologies and niche domains
  • Preferred qualifications
  • Experience managing clean-sheet design programs, especially in aerospace, defense, or advanced technology sectors
  • Proven ability to balance engineering, operations, and business priorities

Responsibilities

  • Establish clear objectives by working closely with product managers, technical leads, and leadership to define objectives linked to mission impact, strategic growth, financial outcomes, and program success
  • Perform program and project management by defining and executing project plans, including milestones, timelines, and interdependencies; track resources, establish clear priorities, and drive execution with disciplined program management methodologies
  • Drive timely, high-quality, critical decisions using a strong technical understanding to facilitate rigorous, fast, and effective decision-making processes
  • Communicate with excellence by ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on status, milestones, and challenges; engage suppliers, partners, and internal teams with clear expectations and a shared vision for success
  • Empower the team by creating an environment where teams have the time, tools, and information they need to succeed; ensure clear accountability, swift processes, and a culture of ownership and action; eliminate obstacles and drive continuous improvement
  • Deliver outcomes by overseeing and contributing to the creation and refinement of technical documentation to ensure seamless transitions between engineering, manufacturing, and operational teams, including RTM packages, work instructions, engineering change orders, service bulletins, and operational manuals
  • Manage customer relationships and deliverables by interacting directly with customers, ensuring alignment on objectives and expectations, and owning all deliverables on the contract for successful execution and fulfillment

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Program ManagementProject ManagementSchedule ManagementCost ManagementStakeholder ManagementCross-functional CoordinationRisk ManagementProduct Lifecycle ManagementTechnical LeadershipMilestone Planning

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the employment type for this Principal Technical Program Manager role?

This is a full-time employee position.

Is this role remote or does it require working from an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are needed for this Technical Program Manager position?

The role requires exceptional communication skills, strong technical understanding, disciplined program management methodologies, and the ability to take extreme ownership, align stakeholders, and drive execution.

What is the company culture like at Shield AI?

Shield AI fosters a culture of extreme ownership, action, accountability, and continuous improvement, empowering teams with the tools and information they need to succeed while crushing schedule, cost, and performance objectives.

What makes a strong candidate for this Principal Technical Program Manager role?

A strong candidate will have experience leading complex programs from concept to production, with skills in stakeholder alignment, clear communication, decision-making, and creating environments for team success.

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$772.8MTotal Funding
DEBTCompany Stage
AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage
Long Term Disability Insurance
Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidized Gym Membership
Pet Insurance
Competitive Compensation
Retirement Services
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Support
Flexible Work Hours
PTO
Paid Holidays
Commuter Benefits
Relaxed Dress Code
Yearly Swag Items
Unlimited Snacks
Bottomless Beverages
Annual Celebrations
Work From Home Benefits
Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.
Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.
Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.
Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.
Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.
Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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