Senior Staff Technical Program Manager - Mission Autonomy
Washington, D.C.full time
On Site
senior
$184k–$276k
H1B: no
Responsibilities
The ideal candidate has a combination of government and commercial program management experience, with strong, established fundamentals in coordinating complex, first-of-a-kind integration efforts. You will be responsible for driving cost, schedule, integration readiness, risk management, and successful operational outcomes while pushing the boundaries of mission autonomy. We are looking for a candidate who can think critically and creatively while leveraging a firm foundation in managing risk across new and foundational programs.
Lead Assigned Launched Effect and Deep Strike Autonomy Integration Programs
Serve as the program manager for assigned Weapons programs, leading the integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software onto OWAs, ISR and LCCM platforms.
Establish Clear Objectives
Work closely with product managers, engineering leads, operations, and executive leadership to define clear program objectives tied to mission impact, customer success, strategic growth, financial outcomes, and technical performance.
Program & Project Management
Own the development and execution of integrated program and project plans, including scope, schedules, milestones, dependencies, budgets, and resource allocation. Continuously evaluate and rebalance customer priorities, technical risks, cost constraints, and schedule demands throughout the program.
Drive Timely, High-Quality Decisions
Facilitate rigorous, fast, and effective technical and programmatic decision-making across cross-functional teams. While not expected to design systems directly, you will possess sufficient technical depth to identify risks, challenge assumptions, and drive alignment. Hands-on experience with software or autonomy products is an accelerator.
Integration & Test Readiness
Coordinate system integration activities across labs, ground testing, surrogate testing and flight test demonstrations. Drive readiness reviews, integration milestones, and closure of technical dependencies required to support successful platform integration and operational deployment.
Identify potential bottlenecks, critical-path risks, and schedule delays, and drive mitigation strategies to achieve program milestones and delivery commitments. Conduct critical-path analyses and support program execution through Gate Reviews, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), and Estimates at Completion (EACs).
Qualification
Strong analyticalDemonstrated ownershipWillingness to travel internationallyExperience in software developmentFamiliarity with DoD contractingEligible to obtain and maintain a U
Required
Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
Experience leading complex cross-functional engineering programs from concept through production and operational deployment.
Strong technical understanding of software-enabled systems, autonomy, aerospace systems, or complex integrated products.
Demonstrated success managing program execution across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and technical performance in fast-paced environments.
Experience with Program Management Reviews (PMRs), gate reviews, and estimates.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead through influence across distributed teams.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments.
Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and ability to drive execution with high standards and collaboration.
Willingness to travel internationally
Preferred
Experience integrating autonomy or software systems onto defense platforms.
Experience in software development, autonomy development, or systems engineering.
Experience managing clean-sheet defense or technology development programs.
