Senior Manager, Program Management - International Programs (R6163)

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:

The Senior Program Manager, International Programs will lead the execution and growth of Shield AI's international Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) programs, with significant regional responsibility within a portfolio spanning the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. This role serves as the primary interface between international government and military customers, industrial partners, business development, contracts, engineering, production, operations, and executive leadership to deliver mission-critical V-BAT capabilities and build enduring international partnerships.

The candidate will bring a proven track record leading complex, customer-facing defense programs from capture through execution, with the judgment to navigate demanding contractual, export-control, and cultural environments. They will operate comfortably in high-visibility situations, mentor and back up in-country program managers, and keep senior leadership informed with clear, candid reporting. Based at our Frisco, TX headquarters alongside the V-BAT engineering and production teams, this individual will travel internationally on a regular basis to be present with customers and partners when it matters most. As the international business grows, there may be future opportunities for an in-country assignment for candidates who are interested; this is not a condition of employment.

What you'll do:

• Deliver proven, exceptional, and reliable performance for international customers through flawless program management and leadership
• Lead execution of multiple concurrent international DCS programs, owning cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with international government, military, and industry stakeholders. Serve as the primary customer-facing lead for assigned programs, including regular in-person engagement in-country
• Lead and support international industrial partnerships, including in-country production, assembly, sustainment, and technology-transfer initiatives
• Manage complex international contracts, working closely with Contracts, Legal, and Finance to resolve contractual issues, manage changes, protect Shield AI's interests, and drive milestone and payment achievement
• Partner with Trade Compliance to plan and execute programs within U.S. export-control requirements (ITAR/EAR), including TAAs, MLAs, and export licenses
• Provide oversight, mentorship, and escalation support to in-country and junior program managers
• Translate evolving customer requirements into executable plans across engineering, production, supply chain, logistics, training, and sustainment teams
• Complete critical path analyses, including evaluation of potential means to accelerate the pace or mitigate identified risks
• ·Astutely balance and rebalance shifting customer priorities related to cost, schedule, and technical parameters of programs
• Establish and maintain accurate program schedules, financial forecasts, staffing plans, and risk and opportunity registers
• Drive accurate and timely tracking and reporting of budget, resource utilization, contract performance, revenue, and program management metrics
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise program reviews and status updates for executive leadership and customer senior stakeholders
• Support business development and capture teams on regional pursuits, including proposal pricing, basis of estimate, execution planning, and the transition from award to execution
• Establish and lead a consistent cadence of well-organized, well-facilitated, and effective meetings across time zones, including driving all preparation and follow-up activities
• Support an environment where accountability and program execution excellence are core

Required qualifications:

• 8+ years of program management experience supporting defense or aerospace programs
• Demonstrated experience managing international defense programs for foreign government or military customers (DCS, FMS, or hybrid)
• Demonstrated successful experience running advanced programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects, in a self-directed manner
• Proven experience managing customer-facing programs with full responsibility for cost, schedule, and performance
• Experience managing complex contracts, including contract changes, disputes, and milestone/payment-based structures
• Working knowledge of U.S. export-control regulations (ITAR/EAR) and their impact on program execution
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across engineering, production, supply chain, logistics, and business functions
• Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing complex program financials
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills, including executive-level briefing
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and programs in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally on a frequent basis, including extended trips
• Demonstrated alignment with Shield AI's values and leadership principles, including accountability, trust, collaboration, and servant leadership
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with international customers or industrial partners in the Middle East, South Asia, or Asia-Pacific
• Experience supporting international industrial partnerships, co-production, offsets/industrial participation, or in-country manufacturing stand-up
• Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems, aviation operations, ISR programs, or defense technology programs
• Experience managing or mentoring program managers
• PMP certification or equivalent program management training
• Undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or operations management

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