Be an Early Applicant
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex software releases for the Hivemind Enterprise platform. Manage simulation-based test automation, CI-to-HIL-to-flight test operations, cross-functional stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, resource planning, and continuous improvement to ensure on-time, high-quality autonomous systems releases.
Summary Generated by Built In
Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
As Technical Program Manager you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of Hivemind Enterprise, a software development kit that enables both Shield AI and third parties to create a new generation of unmanned systems and mission applications that deliver transformative capabilities for the U.S. and its allies. You will work with sponsors, product managers, designers and a talented cross-functional engineering team to lead on-time, on-quality software releases. This Technical Program Manager role requires a versatile individual who can plan and manage complex software test automation projects and flight test operations.
What you'll do:
- Drive the planning, execution, and delivery of complex software releases for the Hivemind Enterprise platform
- Drive major initiatives building out rigorous simulation-based test automation for autonomy software
- Drive large complex test operations from CI through HIL and flight test
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and customer engagement, to define test scope, objectives, and deliverables
- Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, ensuring adherence to budget and schedule
- Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project completion
- Facilitate regular communication with stakeholders, providing updates on project status, challenges, and accomplishments
- Drive continuous improvement in project management processes, tools, and methodologies
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the program management team
- Facilitate technical decision making to appropriately prioritize work and make complex trades
- Reinforce Shield AI's reputation for technical excellence and ability to deliver through expert engagement and disciplined execution
Required qualifications:
- B.S. in Computer Science, or a related field with 8+ years of work experience in Program Management, Engineering Management or Software Test Engineering; alternative degrees are acceptable if professional experience is focused in testing Enterprise Software, Artificial Intelligence, or Robotics
- Experience driving testing of complex software and integrated HW/SW systems.
- Experience driving release management and software test operations
- You have a track record of driving results, not just providing status
- You have solid technical foundations in test engineering and software development, with deep knowledge of how to optimize the software development lifecycle
- You have the ability to recognize efficiency and inefficiency in projects and prioritize remedies based on accurate cost-benefit analysis
- You are an exceptional, fundamentals-driven problem solver and communicator
- You have a demonstrated record of setting and achieving goals in dynamic environments, working hard, being a trustworthy teammate, holding yourself and others to high standards, and being kind to others
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Power user of Jira or work management tools
Preferred qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Computer Science or MBA
- Previous experience as a software developer or a test engineer
- Previous experience driving software releases or test operations for enterprise software used by software engineers
- Passionate about software documentation
- Autonomy, AI, ML expertise
- PMP, Scrum Master, or similar qualifications
#LI-DM2
#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.
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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.
Skills Required
- B.S. in Computer Science or related field with 8+ years in Program Management, Engineering Management, or Software Test Engineering (or equivalent experience focused on testing Enterprise Software, AI, or Robotics)
- Experience driving testing of complex software and integrated HW/SW systems
- Experience driving release management and software test operations
- Demonstrated track record of driving results and delivering projects (not just reporting status)
- Solid technical foundations in test engineering and software development; deep knowledge of optimizing the software development lifecycle
- Ability to recognize project efficiencies/inefficiencies and prioritize remedies using cost-benefit analysis
- Exceptional problem solving, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated record of setting and achieving goals in dynamic environments and being a trustworthy teammate
- Power user of Jira or other work management tools
- Advanced degree in Computer Science or MBA
- Previous experience as a software developer or test engineer
- Previous experience driving software releases or test operations for enterprise software used by software engineers
- Passion for software documentation
- Expertise in autonomy, AI, or ML
- PMP, Scrum Master, or similar qualifications
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
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The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
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.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
3 days a week
