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

California, United States

Shield AI Logo
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

Product Management
Roadmap Management
Backlog Prioritization
Prototyping
Proof of Concept
SDK Integration
Technical Feasibility
Autonomous Systems
Innovation Validation
Engineering Collaboration
Demo Leadership

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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