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. Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. Shield AI is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead execution within the XBAT organization. This position is intentionally geared toward highly technical leaders who bring deep aerospace systems experience and are capable of operating effectively across flight sciences, vehicle integration, aerostructures, autonomy, test, and operations teams. Lead day-to-day execution of the Hopper Demonstration Program across engineering, integration, flight test, and operations stakeholders
Drive integrated program planning, technical coordination, and execution tracking across multiple subsystem teams
Coordinate activities spanning flight controls, aero/performance, aerostructures, avionics, autonomy, software, and vehicle integration
Support development and execution of demonstration campaigns, flight readiness activities, and test event planning
Facilitate technical reviews, milestone assessments, configuration reviews, and executive program updates




Drive cross-functional alignment between design, manufacturing, integration, test, and operational teams
Support rapid problem solving and decision-making in dynamic development and flight test environments
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline
Flight controls
Flight test
Strong understanding of systems integration, technical risk management, and development lifecycle execution
Person status required due to export control regulations
Experience operating in fast-paced development or flight test organizations
Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE), requirements management, or configuration management processes
Experience with integrated flight test planning and execution
Prior technical leadership transitioning into program management or technical program leadership roles
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
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📌 Senior Technical Program Manager (Madrid)
🏢 shieldai
📍 Madrid