Staff Technical Program Manager, Propulsion (R4727)

Posted Yesterday
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Dallas, TX, USA
In-Office
150K-220K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Manage and drive execution of X-BAT propulsion development: coordinate engineers, suppliers, test campaigns, and cross-functional teams to meet vehicle milestones, mitigate risks, and ensure flight readiness. Translate technical status for leadership and facilitate reviews, schedules, and integration activities.
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. 

Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced Propulsion Technical Program Manager to help drive execution across the Shield AI X-BAT propulsion team. This role partners closely with propulsion engineers and technicians to coordinate development activities across engine hardware, fuel systems, fluid systems, test campaigns, and integration with the aircraft.
You will work alongside the propulsion engineering team and applicable suppliers to ensure technical work progresses in alignment with vehicle-level milestones, schedules, and program objectives. This role requires someone who can understand technical challenges, manage cross-functional coordination, and push programs forward with measurable results. The ideal candidate has an engineering background but thrives in bringing teams together, removing obstacles, and staying hands-on when necessary to ensure success.

What you'll do:

  • Partner with propulsion engineers and Responsible Engineers (REs) to plan and execute propulsion development activities across engine hardware, subsystems, and testing.
  • Drive propulsion program schedules and ensure alignment with vehicle-level milestones and flight readiness objectives.
  • Coordinate work across propulsion, design, fluids, controls, airframe, manufacturing, supply chain, and flight test teams.
  • Track technical progress, identify risks, and drive mitigation plans to maintain schedule and performance targets.
  • Manage propulsion-related suppliers and external partners, including schedule tracking, technical coordination, and delivery performance.
  • Translate complex technical work into clear program status, risks, and actions for leadership and stakeholders.
  • Facilitate technical reviews, program checkpoints, and cross-team integration discussions.
  • Support propulsion test campaigns and development programs by coordinating resources, schedules, and deliverables.
  • Drive accountability and measurable outcomes while maintaining strong collaboration with engineering teams.

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in technical program management or engineering leadership in aerospace or complex hardware development environments.
  • Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex technical systems.
  • Strong understanding of engineering development cycles, hardware testing, and system integration.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, technical risks, and program execution in fast-paced environments.
  • Experience working with suppliers and managing external development partners.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical work into program-level execution plans.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Prior experience working directly with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or aerospace hardware development programs.
  • Background supporting test-driven development programs, including hardware build, integration, and flight testing.
  • Experience with UAV, tactical aircraft, or propulsion system development programs.
  • Familiarity with program management tools such as JIRA, Smartsheet, or similar planning tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate in high-ownership, hardware-centric engineering environments.
  • Advanced degree in engineering (M.S.) is a plus.

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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

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related field.
  • 7+ years experience in technical program management or engineering leadership in aerospace or complex hardware development environments.
  • Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex technical systems.
  • Strong understanding of engineering development cycles, hardware testing, and system integration.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, technical risks, and program execution in fast-paced environments.
  • Experience working with suppliers and managing external development partners.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical work into program-level execution plans.
  • U.S. Citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
  • Ability to obtain S//SAR level security clearance.
  • Prior experience with propulsion systems, fluid systems, or aerospace hardware development programs.
  • Background supporting test-driven development programs, including hardware build, integration, and flight testing.
  • Experience with UAV, tactical aircraft, or propulsion system development programs.
  • Familiarity with program management tools such as JIRA or Smartsheet.
  • Advanced degree in engineering (M.S.).

What the Team is Saying

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Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
HQ: Port Melbourne, Victoria
Year Founded: 2015

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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Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

Typical time on-site: 3 days a week
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Kyiv, UA
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Prosper, TX
Taipei City, TW
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Waltham, MA
Washington, US
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