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Technical Program Manager, Mission Autonomy - X-BAT (R6152)

Shield AISeattle, WashingtonProgram & Technical Program Management
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Salary
Not listed
Job type
Full Time Employee
Experience
Senior · 10+ yrs
Posted
29 Sept 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Shield AI is hiring a Technical Program Manager for the Mission Autonomy group to oversee the X-BAT aircraft integration in Seattle, Washington. This position is well-suited for an experienced professional capable of bridging aircraft engineering and autonomy software teams to deliver autonomous systems.

Role Overview

The Technical Program Manager serves as a core coordinator within the Aircraft division in Seattle, Washington, managing the integration of Hivemind autonomy software onto X-BAT aircraft. The professional works closely with distributed engineering groups in Arlington and San Diego to align hardware and software development across the entire product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Direct the integration programs combining Shield AI software with the X-BAT platform.
Partner directly with aircraft engineering teams to harmonize software development with manufacturing, lab availability, and flight schedules.
Collaborate with leadership, product managers, and engineering leads to set program goals related to mission impact and performance.
Develop and manage integrated project plans covering scopes, schedules, milestones, budgets, and resource allocation.
Oversee integration activities spanning labs, ground testing, and flight operations to support deployment.
Facilitate communication and tracking across cross-functional distributed teams.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor degree, 9 years with a Master degree, 7 years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.
Background leading complex cross-functional engineering programs from initial concept through production and operational deployment.
Technical understanding of software-enabled systems, autonomy, aerospace systems, or integrated products.
Track record of managing execution across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical performance.
Experience conducting Program Management Reviews, gate reviews, and estimates.

Nice to Have

Background integrating autonomy or software systems onto defense platforms.
Practical exposure to software development, autonomy development, or systems engineering.
Experience managing clean-sheet defense or technology development programs.
Holding a PMP and/or Certified Scrum Master certification.
Familiarity with Department of Defense contracting, defense acquisition, or national security programs.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a United States Secret clearance.

Skills and Tools

Hivemind Autonomy Software
X-BAT and V-BAT Aircraft Systems
Program Management Reviews (PMRs)
Gate Reviews and Estimates at Completion (EACs)
Integrated Project Planning Tools

About the Company

Shield AI operates as a venture-backed defense-tech organization focused on creating intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. The enterprise builds Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies, maintaining offices and facilities across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply on the official company careers page.

Skills and tech stack

Questions candidates ask

Where is this job located?

The role is located in Seattle, Washington, with coordination required alongside distributed engineering teams in Arlington, Virginia and San Diego, California.

What autonomy software is integrated into the X-BAT aircraft in this role?

The position involves integrating Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software stack onto the X-BAT aircraft.

What are the minimum educational and professional experience requirements?

Candidates typically need a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, 9 years with a Master's degree, 7 years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.

Is a security clearance required for this position?

A clearance is not strictly mandatory at hire, but candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a United States Secret clearance.

Which division houses this role?

This position is embedded within the company's Aircraft division.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Shield AI careers page.

Apply on company site