Senior Business Development Operations

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.

Shield AI has assembled a world class team of scientists, engineers and business leaders driven to make a difference. We come to work each day ready to support one another as together we create a company built to lead in the AI era.

The International Team

Based out of Abu Dhabi, Shield AI’s International Team handles all strategy and business development activity in the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. The International Team works closely with US based Growth, Product, Operations and other internal functions as well as a variety of international partners and entities. It is our responsibility to build Shield AI’s business around the globe, source opportunities, win deals, and execute international programs.

The Role

Think of this role as the Defense Tech equivalent to an Investment Banking/Management Consulting Associate program or Chief of Staff role. You will work side by side with, be trained by/support experienced defense professionals allowing you to quickly climb the steep learning curve of the industry, company, and international business. Through your work owning a wide variety of critical projects you will have direct impact on nearly all facets of the international business and develop a deep understanding of the company and industry. By the end of your first year you will be uniquely equipped to source new business opportunities and help close international defense contracts.

What You'll Do:

• Operate as a Chief of Staff for International BD Senior Director for the first year, effectively running the Middle East office and learning the requisite skills to become a producing member of the team.
• Be our one point of contact/liaison to all US offices and cross functional teams.
• Own special projects across all regional international teams.
• Acquire the tools, skills, knowledge, and internal / external relationships required to develop and close international business opportunities.
• Engage with customers regularly to present and discuss Shield AI products (attend trade shows, exhibitions, or other industry events)
• Plan and execute product demonstrations, lead proposal responses, manage budget

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizen
• Living and working abroad excites you (must expatriate to UAE for 2+ years).
• Desire to help build the defining defense technology company of this century
• >5 years experience in management consulting, investment banking, public service, defense, or growth/operations at a startup.
• Excellent communicator - written, spoken, and interpersonal - with a knack for tone. You will be working across continents and cultures and must be able to succinctly get your point across in a meeting, email, or proposal. Keep in mind you’ll be communicating with colleagues, executives, Generals and more.
• Systematically organized - you should be slightly embarrassed of how well you manage your inbox, calendar, and desktop files - but proud of how natural and efficient the process is.
• Depth of technical skill in standard tools (90%tile user of Excel, PPT, Outlook, etc.) and a breadth of understanding in modern work tools (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, SmartSheets, Adobe, Canva, Canto, etc.)
• No task is beneath you, no responsibility intimidates you. You will develop a high degree of autonomy and responsibility, but we all roll up our sleeves and never say “that’s not my job”.
• Bias towards action. You solve problems before others know they existed.
• You are a student of the world and meticulously aware of current events and cultural sensitivities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of entrepreneurial achievement and/or leadership
• Specific strategy or business development experience outside of the Americas
• Understanding and knowledge of the military operations and the acquisition process
• Technical knowledge within the UAV and/or AI disciplines
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally, frequently and without restriction, including customer sites
• Relevant Foreign Language Skills
• MBA or advanced degree in a related field, and 6+ years of leadership and/or operational experience within the DoD or international equivalents (e.g., MoD)
• You have built a resilient life/schedule and enjoy working at a place where no one minds if you leave early for an appointment or use all your vacation days, but you are also happy to respond to an email while sitting at home after hours

$76,000 - $122,000 a year

#LI-LD1

#LD

Total package details:

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

Actual 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.

If you're interested in being part of our team, apply now!

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.