Leads multiple international defense programs from capture through execution, owning cost, schedule, technical performance, contracts, customer satisfaction, and financial reporting. Manages relationships with foreign government and military customers, industrial partners, and cross-functional teams. Oversees export-control compliance, production and technology-transfer initiatives, risk mitigation, executive reporting, and program-manager mentorship. Based in Frisco, Texas, with frequent international travel.
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.
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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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.
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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.
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