Senior Staff Product Manager, Special Projects (R3865) at Shield AI

California, United States

Apply Now

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Defense Technology, Aerospace, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous SystemsIndustries

Requirements

5+ years product management or innovation experience
Proven backlog and roadmap management expertise
Strong technical background in robotics or autonomy
Demonstrated experience with SDKs or developer platforms
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Ability to synthesize feedback into actionable product direction
Skilled in rapid prototyping and early-stage validation
Hands-on experience with product demos and customer engagement
Preferred qualifications:
Experience in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems
Familiarity with Hivemind SDK or comparable autonomy frameworks
Strong user empathy and usability problem-solving skills
Track record of innovation-to-productization success
MBA or advanced degree in engineering/CS/related field
Prior experience supporting both product and customer delivery teams
Skilled at competitive analysis and market trend monitoring
Comfortable with ambiguity and fast-changing priorities

Responsibilities

Manage and prioritize Special Projects backlog
Maintain and evolve Special Projects roadmap
Track Product Engineering roadmaps for integration opportunities
Coordinate capability transition into Hivemind SDK releases
Align with Hivemind Solutions on tactical and strategic needs
Track and escalate SDK usability issues to core PMs
Serve as expert user and demo leader for SDK
Serve as expert user and demo leader for Special Projects
Identify and validate new innovation opportunities
Drive rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept evaluations
Partner with engineering leads on technical feasibility assessments
Facilitate stakeholder communication and decision alignment
Collect customer/field feedback to refine innovation pipeline
Monitor industry trends and competitor innovation initiatives
Track success metrics for pilot projects and transitions

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Product ManagementRoadmap ManagementBacklog PrioritizationPrototypingProof of ConceptSDK IntegrationTechnical FeasibilityAutonomous SystemsInnovation ValidationEngineering CollaborationDemo Leadership

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for this Senior Staff Product Manager role?

Candidates need 5+ years of product management or innovation experience, proven backlog and roadmap management expertise, strong technical background in robotics or autonomy, demonstrated experience with SDKs or developer platforms, and excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

What are the preferred qualifications for this position?

Preferred qualifications include experience in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems, familiarity with Hivemind SDK or comparable autonomy frameworks, and strong user empathy and usability problem-solving skills.

Is this a remote position, or is there a location requirement?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this Special Projects Product Manager role?

A strong candidate will have the required 5+ years in product management with expertise in robotics/autonomy and SDKs, plus preferred experience in defense or autonomous systems, demonstrating skills in roadmap management, rapid prototyping, cross-functional collaboration, and customer engagement.

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