Staff Technical Program Manager, Propulsion (R4727)

Shield AI is hiring a Staff Technical Program Manager, Propulsion (R4727) in Seattle, United States. It pays $180k-$280k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Shield AI.

Level's read on this job

Level rates this role Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
Level classes it as a lead role.
Shield AI has 659 other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

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.

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.

Required qualifications:

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.

Preferred qualifications:

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.

How we rate this

Staff Technical Program Manager, Propulsion (R4727) at Shield AI rates 33 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Staff Technical Program Manager, Propulsion (R4727) is an open job at Shield AI.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $180k-$280k a year.
The role is based in Seattle, Washington.
The job was posted on March 20, 2026.
Seniority: lead.
Applications are handled by Shield AI. Apply on Shield AI