Introduction to Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.
The Strategic Engagement Director will be responsible for building Shield AI’s business opportunities in Europe and Africa, primarily focused on orders execution and growth for our V-bats. He/she will be responsible for engaging with customers, attending events, and product demonstrations. This person will operate on a small team with a demanding work and travel schedule and a very high level of responsibility and accountability to perform and deliver results, but will undoubtedly have the opportunity to make an outsized impact and become a major contributor to the company.
What You'll Do
- Engage with customers regularly to present and discuss Shield AI products
- Attend trade shows, exhibitions, or other industry events to espouse Shield AI products
- Devise and coordinate marketing and government relations opportunities
- Build and devise the structure of industry partnerships
- Plan and execute product demonstrations
- Work cross-functionally to provide responses to or address customers needs
- Lead proposal response
- Develop offset strategies
- Manage team budget
Required Qualifications
- Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 12 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 8 years experience; or equivalent experience.
- Willing to remain in or expatriate to Europe (minimum two-year overall expat assignment)
- Exceptional communicator: strong written, verbal, and presentation skills and the ability to communicate seamlessly at all levels of business and government
- Charismatic leader, with the ability to motivate and inspire others and impart excitement about Shield AI’s mission, technology, and products
- Desire to help build the defining defense technology company of this century
- Thorough understanding and knowledge of the military operations and the acquisition process that allows you to maintain strong customer relations
- >10 Years of relevant Air Force and/or AI, prior defense industry, or other international business experience
- Self-motivated and results-oriented, with demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding critical goals and deadlines
- Strong international relationships and demonstrated ability to work well across and with various cultures, customs, etc.
- Strong technical knowledge within the CCA/UCAV and AI disciplines
- Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally, frequently and without restriction, including customer sites
- Team oriented with the ability to communicate with a understanding of nuances associated with being collaborative while also being blunt and forthright
- Technically competent in the myriad of systems that are required to function at the speed of business
Preferred Qualifications
- Specific strategy or business development experience in Europe
- Prior Air Force or AI business development experience in a defense-related context
- MBA or related Master’s degree in a related field, and 6+ years of leadership and/or operational experience within the DoD or international equivalents (e.g., MoD)
- Demonstrated understanding of specific Air Force operational scenarios and systems related to CCA/UCAV
- Strong research and analysis skills
- Relevant Foreign Language Skills (e.g., European languages)
Total package details for U.S. based positions:
- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days
of employment)
- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity
Total package details for International based positions (where applicable):
- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer
allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.
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.
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.
