Staff Field Solution Engineer - XBAT - AMER (R6265)

Shield AI • Washington, DC

18d • $180,000 - $280,000

About The Position

Shield AI is hiring a Senior Solutions Engineer to support technical sales for a flagship aircraft program in early design and development. The role serves as a key technical interface among senior government stakeholders, business development, and engineering leadership, shaping requirements and aligning the product roadmap with future mission needs. The position focuses on large-scale domestic and international defense programs in conceptual or pre-solicitation phases, ideally involving tactical aviation or high-performance unmanned systems.

The engineer supports pre-sales and technical capture for an advanced aircraft platform targeting high-end tactical missions, translates customer needs into system requirements and program strategies, and develops technical narratives and materials for customer engagements. The role also represents Shield AI's broader solution suite, including autonomy, AI pilots, ISR systems, and mission software, throughout the pre-sales lifecycle. Compensation is listed as $180,000–$280,000 in on-target earnings, with the regular employee package also including bonus, benefits, and equity.

Requirements

• At least 5 years in technical sales, capture, or engineering roles in the defense or aerospace industries, with significant experience interfacing with U.S. DoD and/or international ministries of defense.
• Demonstrated experience supporting government sales in pre-prototype or pre-solicitation phases.
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to organize technical ideas and build narratives for leadership-level stakeholders and direct customers.
• Experience with programs involving tactical aircraft, fighter jets, or Group 5 UAS.
• Proven success contributing to deals valued over $15 million.
• Strong systems-level understanding of aircraft design tradeoffs, customer CONOPS, and mission-based engineering.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, applied science, or an equivalent technical discipline.
• Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to translate technical information into compelling sales narratives for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, balance competing priorities, and work independently in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

• Experience at a major defense prime, such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, Anduril, or RTX, or with the USG in technical business development, engineering, product management, advanced programs, or strategic pursuits.
• Background in multi-domain operations, autonomy, or networked ISR systems.
• Familiarity with acquisition programs and pathways such as NGAD, CCA, FMS, and DCS.
• Advanced degree in engineering or business with an applicable focus.
• Prior military service experience.
• Preference for relocation to Dallas, Texas, or Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for pre-sales engagements supporting a new advanced aircraft platform for high-end tactical missions.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Engineering, and Product Management leaders to influence product definition, capability priorities, and solution alignment with customer operational concepts.
• Support technical capture for domestic and international opportunities in early acquisition phases, including AOAs, RFIs, requirement drafts, white papers, and unsolicited proposals.
• Translate customer needs into actionable system requirements, roadmaps, and program strategies.
• Develop technical narratives and lead content development for briefings, RFIs, white papers, and proposal volumes.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with customer technical stakeholders, including U.S. DoD program offices and foreign governments.
• Assess market signals, competitor activity, and technical feasibility to contribute to internal investment decisions.
• Represent Shield AI's solution suite, including autonomy, AI pilots, ISR systems, and mission software, across the pre-sales lifecycle.

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits package
• Equity
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees, applicable after 60 days of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior