Senior Manager, Autonomy (Hivemind)

About the role

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing intelligent systems that protect service members and civilians, including Hivemind autonomy software, aircraft and simulation technologies. As Senior Manager, Autonomy, you will lead the in-country team that delivers autonomy solutions for unmanned systems (UxS) and ensures the integration of Hivemind across aircraft, from small UxS to large autonomous collaborative platforms. The role sits within the Hivemind Solutions organization serving commercial and defense programs.

Key responsibilities

• Lead teams across autonomy, integration and testing, aligning technical work, resolving cross-functional issues and driving mission-focused execution.
• Provide leadership on system architecture, design, development, risk mitigation and product quality.
• Balance hands-on technical oversight with performance optimization, innovation and clear stakeholder communication.
• Lead a team advancing Hivemind and shaping autonomy architectures.
• Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions and ensure the quality and completeness of deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership across Internal Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives and government defense contracts.

Required profile

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of industry experience in autonomy and/or UxS platforms (e.g. defense technology, autonomous vehicles).
• 7+ years delivering software into high-reliability production or certifiable environments.
• 2+ years managing technical teams.
• Experience as a customer-facing engineering leader supporting defense and internally funded programs, and contributing to government contract proposals.
• Proven leadership of teams of 6-20 engineers.
• Fluent written and spoken English and Mandarin.

Required skills

• Deep proficiency in C++.
• Understanding of guidance, navigation and control (GNC) and the full robotics stack (perception, estimation, planning, controls).
• Understanding of software development processes and deployment.
• Defining technical scope, managing technical requirements, product architectures, interface control documents and system-level design documentation.
• Structured, scientific problem-solving and excellent written and verbal communication.