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- Tasks: Lead regional growth of Hivemind across Europe & Africa, driving customer adoption and technical integrations.
- Company: Shield AI is a cutting-edge defence tech company focused on protecting lives with autonomous systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity for 30-50% travel across Europe & Africa.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team redefining autonomy in extreme environments and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in defence or aerospace with leadership experience; deep knowledge of unmanned systems required.
- Other info: Open to candidates across Europe & Africa; must be willing to travel frequently.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Director of Business Development, Hivemind (Europe & Africa) role at Shield AI. Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide.
At Shield AI, we’re building the world’s most advanced AI pilot. Our groundbreaking autonomy stack, Hivemind, empowers unmanned systems to operate independently—even in the most extreme environments where GPS and communications are denied. From the battlefield to the edge of space, Hivemind is redefining what’s possible. As we expand our global footprint, we’re seeking a Director of Hivemind – Europe & Africa to lead the regional growth of Hivemind Enterprise across air, land, maritime, and space domains.
In this leadership role, you’ll drive customer adoption, partner collaboration, technical integrations, and operational deployments with defense forces and industry partners in the region. This role involves strategic leadership, customer engagement, and technical collaboration. You will be the regional ambassador for Hivemind, translating mission needs into technical solutions, supporting deployments, and providing feedback for product development. The position is open to candidates in Europe & Africa with 30-50% travel.
What you’ll do:
- Lead Regional Product Strategy: Own and execute Hivemind’s product and integration strategy across Europe & Africa, coordinating with global teams.
- Drive Adoption: Promote Hivemind with defense customers and OEMs, shaping operational concepts and system architectures.
- Support Integrations: Collaborate on end-to-end Hivemind integrations onto third-party platforms.
- Support Deployment: Oversee scaling and delivery of Hivemind Enterprise solutions.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a primary contact for government customers, OEMs, and users in the region.
- Bridge with Engineering & Product: Translate regional needs into technical requirements and priorities.
- Support Demonstrations: Lead or assist in regional demos, RFP responses, and customer trials.
- Provide Feedback: Share regional insights to inform product development and roadmap.
- Ensure Compliance: Manage export control, ITAR/EAR, and certification processes in coordination with legal/security teams.
Minimum qualifications:
- 10+ years in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems, with leadership experience.
- Deep knowledge of defense programs and unmanned systems.
- Proven success in delivering complex software/hardware systems in government/industry settings.
- Familiarity with European defense procurement and operational environments.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
- Willingness to travel 30–50% across Europe & Africa.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with autonomy software in UAVs, munitions, or robotic platforms.
- Knowledge of AI/ML stacks, robotics middleware (ROS/ROS2), embedded systems.
- Understanding of distributed C2 systems, edge networking, multi-agent coordination.
- Experience with Hivemind or similar frameworks operationally.
- Familiarity with NATO architectures, STANAGs, defense software frameworks.
- Technical degree or relevant military/defense background.
Our international team members are employed through our Employer of Record (EOR) and receive a comprehensive benefits package. For full details, please consult your talent acquisition partner.
Director of Business Development, Hivemind (Europe & Africa) employer: Shield AI
Contact Detail:
Shield AI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Business Development, Hivemind (Europe & Africa)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence and aerospace sectors, especially those who have experience with autonomous systems. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the latest trends in Hivemind technology.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Shield AI's products and their applications in various domains. Understanding how Hivemind integrates into air, land, maritime, and space operations will help you articulate your vision for regional growth during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences in delivering complex software or hardware systems. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've driven customer adoption and collaborated with stakeholders in the defence sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on European defence procurement processes and operational environments. This knowledge will not only enhance your credibility but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in the region.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Business Development, Hivemind (Europe & Africa)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems. Emphasise leadership roles and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities of the Director of Business Development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Hivemind's mission and how your background fits the role. Mention your experience with customer engagement and technical collaboration, as these are key aspects of the position.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to AI/ML stacks, robotics middleware, and your familiarity with European defense procurement. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your ability to bridge technical needs with business strategy.
Showcase Your Network: If you have connections within the defense industry or have worked with government customers, mention this in your application. Highlighting your existing relationships can strengthen your candidacy for a role that requires stakeholder engagement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shield AI
✨Research the Company and Its Products
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research Shield AI and its products, especially Hivemind. Understand how their technology works and its applications in defence. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during the conversation.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Given the role's focus on defence and autonomous systems, be prepared to discuss your past experiences that align with these areas. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives in similar environments, showcasing your leadership skills.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to defence programs, unmanned systems, and software/hardware integrations. Brush up on relevant concepts and be ready to explain how your expertise can contribute to the company's goals, particularly in the context of Hivemind.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Director, effective communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with stakeholders, translate mission needs into technical solutions, and lead teams across diverse regions.
