Program Manager, FMS (R6161)

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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:

Seeking a Program Manager to lead execution of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs delivering advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and capabilities to U.S. international partners. This role serves as the critical link between U.S. Government stakeholders, international customers, engineering, logistics, sustainment, contracting, finance, and operations to ensure successful delivery and long-term program performance. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and can drive disciplined execution across complex government and international stakeholder organizations while maintaining strong customer relationships and rigorous management of cost, schedule, and technical performance.

What you'll do:

• Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance in support of customer/end-user missions through flawless program management.

• Lead execution of Foreign Military Sales programs from contract award through delivery, acceptance, training, sustainment, and follow-on support.

• Effectively collaborate, motivate, and lead relevant stakeholders to successfully deliver early, under budget, and with exceptional technical performance.

• Manage relationships with U.S. Government and international customers and act as the key point of contact for assigned programs.

• Coordinate closely with U.S. Government program offices, contracting organizations, international partners, engineering, operations, logistics, and sustainment teams.

• Astutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priorities related to cost, schedule, technical performance, and contractual requirements.

• Provide hands-on management of all aspects of the program.

• Drive the accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource, schedule, and project management standard metrics.

• Complete critical path analyses, including evaluation of potential means to accelerate execution or mitigate identified risks.

• Identify potential bottlenecks or delays in programs and drive efforts to ensure projects remain on schedule.

• Manage delivery, training, fielding, sustainment, and acceptance activities associated with international programs.

• Partner with leadership to guide prioritization of projects and utilization of resources.

• Establish and lead a consistent cadence of well-organized, well-facilitated, and effective internal and customer meetings, including driving all preparation and follow-up activities.

• Support an environment where accountability, customer trust, and program execution excellence are core.

Required qualifications:

• 5+ years of program management experience for Department of Defense programs.

• Ability to run advanced projects/programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects in a manner that is largely self-directed.

• Proven ability to focus on long-term business objectives.

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

• Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet.

• Excellent skills in leadership, time management, organization, and team management.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication ability.

• Expert understanding of complex project financials.

• Demonstrated alignment with Shield AI's values and leadership principles, including accountability, trust, collaboration, and servant leadership.

• Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience managing Foreign Military Sales programs or supporting international military customers.

• Familiarity with Foreign Military Sales program management processes.

• Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, or defense technology programs.

• Familiarity with aviation product delivery, maintenance, sustainment, and field support.

• Familiarity and/or previous working relationships with NAVAIR, including PMA-263 or other UAS program offices.

• Experience coordinating with U.S. Government acquisition, contracting, security cooperation, and logistics organizations.

• Experience supporting international delivery, training, acceptance, or sustainment activities.

• Active Secret Security Clearance.

• PMP certification or equivalent program management training.

• Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or a related field.

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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.