Senior Manager, Program Management - International Programs (R6163)

Dallas · USD 140,000-220,000 / year · 8+ years experience · Onsite · Posted Oct 8, 2026

At a glance

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Manager, Program Management for International Programs in Dallas to deliver exceptional performance for international customers through flawless leadership.
The role involves leading the execution of multiple concurrent international DCS programs while owning cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.

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, serving as the primary customer-facing lead
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 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
Establish and maintain accurate program schedules, financial forecasts, staffing plans, and risk and opportunity registers
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, and execution planning

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
Experience with scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet
Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR

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

Willingness and ability to travel internationally on a frequent basis, including extended trips