Strategic Capture Director (r4893)

Shield AI Shield AI · Defense · Washington, DC · International Business Development

This role is for a Strategic Capture Director at Shield AI, a deep-tech company focused on intelligent systems for defense. The director will be a U.S.-based representative for Middle East/Asia Pacific efforts, focusing on partnerships, programs, and business opportunities. Responsibilities include stakeholder engagement, understanding defense acquisition processes, and collaborating with internal leadership. While the company develops AI-powered products, this role is primarily focused on business development and strategic capture, not direct AI/ML development.

What you'd actually do

  1. 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.
  2. Manage high-level stakeholder engagements, including senior defense officials, embassy representatives, and foreign delegations.
  3. Advance Shield AI’s partnerships, programs, and business opportunities.
  4. 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.
  5. Work closely with both the Middle East / Asia Pacific and U.S. teams.

Skills

Required

  • 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.

What the JD emphasized

  • Deep understanding of U.S. and allied defense acquisition processes and how they relate to international collaboration and export frameworks.
  • Demonstrated understanding or strong technical curiosity in UAV and/or AI autonomy systems.