Manage configuration control and retrofit efforts for the V-BAT fleet, assess engineering changes, develop retrofit plans, coordinate cross-functional teams, ensure compliance with airworthiness and quality, and track global retrofit completion and configuration integrity.
Founded in 2015, 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 and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. 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.
The Project Manager – Fleet Configuration & Retrofit will support the Head of Fleet Asset Management in executing configuration updates and modernization efforts across the V-BAT fleet. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate configuration control, assessing differences between hardware and software revisions, and coordinating retrofit activities when required for safety, capability improvement, or customer commitments. The position requires close collaboration with Engineering, Production, Operations, and Logistics teams to maintain configuration integrity across a globally deployed fleet.
What you'll do:
- Maintain real-time configuration status of the V-BAT fleet, including all software, hardware, payload, and subsystem revisions.
- Review engineering releases, change orders, and revision documents to determine the operational impact of new configurations.
- Work closely with the Engineering Department to interpret technical changes and distinguish between revisions that are optional versus those requiring mandatory retrofit.
- Assist in assessing safety, capability, and sustainment implications of configuration differences across fielded aircraft and ground systems.
- Develop and manage retrofit plans for required upgrades, ensuring schedules, materials, and manpower are aligned.
- Coordinate with supply chain and fleet support to ensure required retrofit kits, replacement parts, and documentation are available and properly controlled.
- Communicate configuration impacts, timelines, and dependencies to internal customers and leadership.
- Track completion status of retrofits and updates across the global fleet and maintain accountability for all deployed hardware.
- Ensure all configuration changes align with approved engineering releases, airworthiness requirements, and internal quality controls.
- Support continuous improvement of configuration management processes, tools, and documentation.
Required qualifications:
- Experience in project management, product lifecycle management, or fleet sustainment—preferably in unmanned systems, aerospace, or defense.
- Strong understanding of configuration management principles, including revision control, baselining, and change impact analysis.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, change notices, and technical documentation.
- Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional efforts involving Engineering, Logistics, and Operations.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple configuration states simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and decision-making skills.
- Familiarity with retrofit planning, fielded system support, or maintenance operations is a plus.
Preferred qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and PMP certification.
- Military experience with aviation, UAS operations or systems.
- Background with engineering change processes within a defense or regulated environment.
- Proficiency with configuration management tools or Product Lifecycle Management systems.
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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.
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