Staff Technical Program Manager (R3370)

As a Staff Technical Program Manager at Shield AI, you'll be responsible for steering the planning, execution, and delivery of complex software releases for the Hivemind Enterprise platform. This includes collaborating with various cross-functional teams to define objectives, crafting detailed project plans, monitoring progress, managing risks, and fostering innovation within the organization. Your role is crucial in reinforcing our mission to deliver exceptional software solutions.

To excel as a Staff Technical Program Manager at Shield AI, candidates should have a B.S. in Computer Science or a related field, with at least 5 years of experience in Program Management or Engineering Management. A deep understanding of software development processes and experience with high-reliability software is essential. Ideally, candidates should also have a proven track record of driving results in dynamic environments and strong leadership skills to guide cross-functional teams effectively.

Preferred qualifications for the Staff Technical Program Manager at Shield AI include an advanced degree in Computer Science or an MBA, prior experience as a software developer, and familiarity with managing enterprise software. Experience in Autonomy, AI, and ML is highly desirable, as well as certifications like PMP or Scrum Master. The ideal candidate will have worked closely with software engineering teams, understanding both technical aspects and project management requirements.

At Shield AI, we believe in fostering a supportive environment for our Staff Technical Program Managers. We provide opportunities for continuous improvement through training, access to cutting-edge tools, and an emphasis on collaboration. Your personal development is important to us, and we encourage setting ambitious goals that align with both your career aspirations and our company vision of innovation and excellence.

The salary range for a Staff Technical Program Manager at Shield AI is between $152,440 and $228,660 annually, depending on various factors like experience, skill set, and location. Additionally, the total compensation package includes bonuses, benefits, and equity, ensuring that you are well rewarded for your contributions to the team and the company’s mission.

When discussing your experience with complex software development projects during your interview for the Staff Technical Program Manager position at Shield AI, focus on specific examples where you successfully managed project timelines, coordinated cross-functional teams, and delivered high-quality software. Highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them, as well as tools and methodologies used in your previous roles.

As a Staff Technical Program Manager, prioritizing tasks is essential to ensure project success. During your interview, explain your approach to assessing project requirements and stakeholder needs, and how you make informed trade-off decisions. Emphasize your ability to maintain clear communication with all stakeholders, ensuring alignment on priorities while managing timelines and resources effectively.

When asked about project management tools in your interview for Shield AI, mention your expertise with popular systems like Azure DevOps, Jira, or other work management tools. Share specific examples of how you've utilized these tools to streamline project processes, manage tasks, and enhance team collaboration in past projects.

In your interview for the Staff Technical Program Manager position, consider discussing a specific instance where you identified, assessed, and mitigated project risks. Explain how you communicated these risks to stakeholders, the strategies you employed to address them, and the ultimate outcome of the project, highlighting your proactive approach in preventing potential issues.

Effective communication is crucial for success as a Staff Technical Program Manager. Share your strategies during the interview, such as setting regular status meetings, utilizing project management tools for transparency, and creating a shared communication plan. Illustrate how this approach fosters collaboration and builds trust among team members and stakeholders.

Discussing how you foster a culture of continuous improvement in your interview will be important. Share specific practices you've implemented, such as regular retrospectives, encouraging team members to offer feedback, and facilitating training sessions. Describe how such practices enhance project outcomes and team morale while driving innovation in software development.

Managing stakeholder expectations is a vital part of a project manager's role. During your interview, explain how you maintain transparency about project progress and challenges, regularly update stakeholders on timelines, and actively involve them in decision-making processes. Focus on how these strategies help build trust and support project buy-in.

In your interview for the Staff Technical Program Manager role, emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making. Discuss how you use metrics to assess project performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed adjustments to project plans when necessary, ensuring that your projects align with Shield AI's goals and expectations.

Reflecting on a high-pressure situation during your interview can demonstrate your ability to lead. Choose an example where quick, informed decision-making was crucial, detailing the context, the stakeholders involved, your decision-making process, and the positive outcomes achieved. This will illustrate your leadership skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

To answer this question, articulate your genuine interest in Shield AI's mission to protect service members and civilians. Discuss how your skills and experiences align with the role, and how excited you are about the opportunity to lead software development initiatives that drive innovation. Showcase your passion for technology and your commitment to making a difference in the field.