Introduction to Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.
As a Product Manager on the Hivemind team, you will lead efforts to identify and address the most critical autonomy needs for Shield AI and its customers. Collaborating with a cross-functional team—business development, program managers, engineers, and executives—you'll help define what we build, when, and for whom. This high-impact role requires deep expertise in the testing, development, procurement, and operational use of military aircraft—with a focus on multi-role fighters and unmanned ISR platforms.
What you'll do:
- Collaborate with BD, Engineers, and PMs to develop technical, management, and pricing strategies.
- Work with other Product Managers, Program Managers, Business Development, sponsors, operational end-users, industry partners, and a talented cross-functional engineering team to determine what we will build, when, why and for whom. You will communicate your findings via a variety of artifacts including product roadmaps, whitepapers, CO NOPs, and presentations.
- Lead studies that result in a multi-year look ahead for Shield AI’s Jet Autonomy product offerings. This includes assessing everything required to develop, deploy, operate, sustain, maintain autonomous systems on military aircraft.
Required qualifications:
- Jet aviation expertise: This role requires a versatile individual who has a deep understanding of aviation autonomy, DoD program funding & development cycles, military aviation testing, and the operational experience to frame and make informed decisions regarding integrated hardware, software, and systems engineering efforts
- Exceptional communication skills—can effectively communicate with business executives, engineers, customers, end users, senior military leaders, etc.
- 8+ years experience with jet aviation, as either a flight engineer or aviator
- The ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance. US citizenship is required as only US citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
Preferred qualifications:
- Military positional leadership (Squadron Commander, etc.)
- Operational planning experience
- Programmatic experience developing, acquiring, and implementing new technology or capabilities for military aviation units
#LF
Total package details for U.S. based positions:
- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days
of employment)
- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity
Total package details for International based positions (where applicable):
- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer
allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.
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.
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.
What We Do
Shield AI is building the world's best AI pilot. Our Hivemind autonomy stack is the first and only autonomous AI Pilot, deployed in combat since 2018. Hivemind enables intelligent teams of aircraft to perform missions ranging from room clearance, to penetrating air defense systems, and dogfighting F-16s.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.