Senior Staff Technical Program Manager – AI Autonomous Systems

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager to lead the development, integration, and deployment of autonomous AI pilots for UAVs, USVs, and UUVs at its Port Melbourne hub. This high‑impact, hands‑on position will manage complex engineering programmes from concept through field testing and work closely with customers, defence stakeholders, and internal teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end technical program management, shaping program and organisational objectives.
• Oversee the full programme lifecycle – initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure – ensuring exceptional outcomes.
• Fulfil contractual and customer deliverables with precision and timeliness.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government, defence, suppliers, and technical teams.
• Conduct critical‑path analysis, manage earned‑value tracking, and report programme health metrics.
• Identify and mitigate risks proactively and support business development activities such as EOIs and proposals.

Required profile

• Significant experience as a technical project or programme manager in complex engineering or technology domains.
• Proven track record delivering cross‑functional projects aligned with long‑term business strategy.
• Experience managing 0→1 product development cycles and working with the Australian Defence Force.
• Strong commercial understanding of project financials, including earned‑value management and contract data requirements.
• Outstanding communication, leadership, organisation, and influencing skills.

Required skills

• Microsoft Project
• Smartsheet
• Vena
• Salesforce