Product Manager, Space Portfolio

About Shield AI     

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn,Twitter, and Instagram.   

The Space Operations Autonomy Solutions Product Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, development, deployment, and sustainment of autonomy solutions supporting space operations. This role requires deep expertise in space operations, test and evaluation, and capability development to drive the success of advanced autonomy solutions for task and mission management of space assets, satellite command and control, and real-time operational decision support. 

• Product Strategy & Development:
• Define and manage the product roadmap for space operations autonomy solutions, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and emerging threats.
• Work with cross-functional teams, including autonomy engineering, systems engineering, and operations teams, to develop and refine autonomy solutions.
• Ensure autonomy solutions are modular, scalable, and compliant with DoD and Space Force requirements.

• Operations & Execution:
• Oversee autonomy integration, validation, and testing within operationally relevant environments, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) testbeds.
• Lead the transition of autonomy solutions from development to operational deployment, ensuring seamless integration with existing space architectures.
• Provide technical oversight and coordination for autonomy software releases, patches, and updates in collaboration with cybersecurity and mission assurance teams.

• Space Operations Expertise:
• Leverage prior experience in space operations to inform autonomy solution design decisions, ensuring systems meet operational needs.
• Assess and incorporate lessons learned from exercises, operational deployments, and space system test events.
• Support the development and execution of test plans to validate system performance and reliability under realistic conditions.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
• Serve as the primary interface between autonomy development teams, operators, program managers, business development, and senior leadership. 
• Brief stakeholders, including government sponsors, on system capabilities, development status, and risk management strategies. 
• Collaborate with acquisition and contracting teams to define system requirements and acquisition strategies.

• Capability Development & Continuous Improvement:
• Identify and implement emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance mission effectiveness. 
• Support wargaming, modeling & simulation (M&S), and digital engineering initiatives to refine space autonomy operations capabilities.

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in space operations, autonomy solutions development, test and evaluation, or capability development.
• Experience with operational testing and space system validation processes in or supporting the Space Force.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Active TS with SCI eligibility clearance.

• Space Superiority Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) graduate
• Space Warfighter Advanced Instructor Course (AIC) graduate
• Familiarity with autonomy development methodologies (Agile, DevSecOps)
• Familiarity with space systems architectures.
• Proven experience managing complex programs within DoD or IC environments.

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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.