Shieldai

Staff Technical Program Manager, Propulsion (R4727)

United States · On-site · Full Time Employee

USD 180,000–280,000/per-year-salaryPosted over 6 months ago: check it’s still open

Apply on the employer’s site ↗See how well you match this job

You apply directly with the employer. ROLIVA does not submit applications from this page and is not the employer.

About the role

Description from the employer’s posting. Check the employer’s page for the current version.

  • EmployerShieldai
  • LocationUnited States
  • Work styleOn-site
  • Employment typeFull Time Employee
  • Employer posted
  • Salary (as stated by the employer)USD 180,000 – 280,000 per per-year-salary

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:

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.

Show full description

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

#LI-MS1

#LD

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.

###

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.

Staying safe while you apply

  • Never pay to apply, interview or accept an offer. ROLIVA never asks you for payment to apply to a job.
  • Apply only through the official “Apply on the employer’s site” button, on the employer’s own site, and check that a recruiter’s email uses that employer’s own domain rather than a free email address.
  • Be cautious of an offer made with no real interview, or pressure to decide quickly or share financial details early.

Does something look wrong with this listing? Use “Report broken link” in the role details, or read ROLIVA’s full job-safety guidance ↗.

Preparing for this role with ROLIVA

  • Check the fit.

    Compare the requirements with the experience you have confirmed, including gaps.

  • Prepare honestly.

    Build interview stories and application drafts from your own evidence.

  • Keep track.

    Save the role and record your own application status and follow-ups.

Create a free workspace or log in.

Program manager jobs in United States

ROLIVA currently lists 646 open roles like this in United States.

Employers hiring for this

  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise29 open roles
  • Capital One Financial25 open roles
  • HP23 open roles
  • Shieldai18 open roles
  • Guidehouse14 open roles

Top skills asked for

Listings whose description mentions each term. A mention is not a requirement.

Advertised salary for this role here

These are advertised ranges, not what people are paid.

  • USD a year, after annualising100,000–325,000 (45 listings, 13 employers)

At a glance

  • Work styleOn-site
  • Employment typeFull Time Employee
  • SeniorityLead / Principal
  • Salary (as stated by the employer)USD 180,000–280,000 per per-year-salary
  • Employer posted
  • Added to ROLIVA
  • Last checked

Skills in this posting

Skills ROLIVA found in the employer’s own description above. A mention is not a requirement.

Jira

Explore similar roles

Similar jobs