Job Description: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.
Required qualifications:- 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.
Preferred qualifications:- 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.
$180,000 - $280,000 a year
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
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. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
