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. 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.
Job Description:
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.
