Strategic Capture Director (R4893)

Shield AI • Washington, DC

19h • Onsite

About The Position

In this role, you will report into the regional Senior Director based out of Abu Dhabi, UAE and work closely with both the Middle East / Asia Pacific and U.S. teams to advance Shield AI
’s partnerships, programs, and business opportunities. You will serve as one of the company
’s primary U.S.-based representatives for Middle East / Asia Pacific-related efforts, helping to ensure seamless coordination between international stakeholders and Shield AI
’s domestic operations, and to strengthen the company
’s relationships across the defense, aerospace, and technology ecosystems.

Requirements

• Based in or willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area.
• Exceptional communicator: strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage seamlessly across government, military, and industry audiences.
• Charismatic leader with the ability to motivate and inspire others while conveying Shield AI’s mission, technology, and products.
• Deep understanding of U.S. and allied defense acquisition processes and how they relate to international collaboration and export frameworks.
• 10+ years of relevant military, defense industry, or international business experience.
• Proven ability to manage high-level stakeholder engagements, including senior defense officials, embassy representatives, and foreign delegations.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a track record of exceeding goals and delivering impact across cross-functional teams.
• Strong cultural fluency and ability to work effectively with international partners across the Middle East and/or Asia-Pacific.
• Demonstrated understanding or strong technical curiosity in UAV and/or AI autonomy systems.
• Willing and able to travel periodically, both domestically (for major demos, facility visits, and events) and internationally (for key meetings, trade shows, etc.).
• Ability to collaborate closely with Shield AI’s Chief Growth Officer, Chief Technology Officer, International EVP, the Asia/Middle East regional leadership, and other U.S.-based leadership teams.
• Team-oriented, with the ability to balance collaborative communication with direct, forthright input.
• Proficient in the systems and tools required to operate at the speed of business.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice To Haves

• Specific experience supporting Asia-Pacific markets from a U.S.-based government or defense industry role.
• In region experience (either military or defense industry)
• Prior UAV, autonomy, or AI-related business development experience.
• MBA or related Master’s degree, plus 15+ years of leadership and/or operational experience within the U.S. DoD or international equivalents.
• Familiarity with U.S.-Asia-Middle East defense cooperation frameworks, foreign military sales (FMS), and technology-transfer pathways.
• Strong research and analysis skills.
• Relevant foreign language skills (e.g., Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin).
• Active U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Advance Shield AI’s partnerships, programs, and business opportunities.
• Serve as one of the company’s primary U.S.-based representatives for Middle East / Asia Pacific-related efforts.
• Ensure seamless coordination between international stakeholders and Shield AI’s domestic operations.
• Strengthen the company’s relationships across the defense, aerospace, and technology ecosystems.
• Manage high-level stakeholder engagements, including senior defense officials, embassy representatives, and foreign delegations.
• Collaborate closely with Shield AI’s Chief Growth Officer, Chief Technology Officer, International EVP, the Asia/Middle East regional leadership, and other U.S.-based leadership teams.

Benefits

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity
• Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees