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- Tasks: Lead strategic sales and capture efforts for innovative air combat solutions.
- Company: Join Shield AI, a cutting-edge deep-tech company redefining aerospace and defence.
- Benefits: Comprehensive rewards package and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of air combat technology.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in air force roles and strong defence sales experience required.
- Other info: Collaborate with top-tier defence stakeholders and drive innovation.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture‑backed deep‑tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V‑BAT and X‑BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia‑Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
As part of our global expansion, we’re looking for a bold and visionary Director of Business Development to lead strategic sales, customer engagement, and capture efforts for our X‑BAT initiatives across the region. This is a high‑impact role at the cutting edge of aerospace and defense innovation. You’ll be on the front lines, driving adoption and revenue for Shield AI’s X‑BAT by engaging directly with top‑tier defense stakeholders—military customers, industry primes, and government decision‑makers. Your mission: position Shield AI as the go‑to partner for next‑generation air combat solutions in Europe.
You’ll bring a rare mix of defense sales expertise, technical credibility, and a deep understanding of air domain CONOPS and acquisition frameworks. From identifying new opportunities to closing complex deals and launching early‑stage programs, you’ll own the entire business development lifecycle.
What you’ll do:
- Drive Strategic Capture: Identify, shape, and capture high‑value opportunities across European next‑gen airpower programs relevant to CCAs and autonomy.
- Own Regional Sales Pipeline: Lead the full business development lifecycle for X‑BAT focused efforts, from customer engagement through proposal, negotiation, and contract award.
- Engage Key Stakeholders: Build and maintain trusted relationships with Ministries of Defence, defense primes, integrators, and NATO‑related bodies.
- Shape Requirements & CONOPS: Influence customer requirements and future CCA CONOPS to align with Shield AI’s product offerings.
- Support Demonstrations & Campaigns: Lead Shield AI’s positioning and participation in regional flight demos, technical trials, and program pilots.
- Coordinate Cross‑Functionally: Collaborate closely with engineering, product, legal, and program teams to align technical solutions with customer needs and delivery requirements.
- Inform Product Direction: Provide field intelligence to guide feature development, integration strategy, and roadmap priorities for Hivemind‑enabled CCA solutions.
Required qualifications:
- 15+ years in a relevant air force occupation, bringing significant depth of understanding of relevant CONOPs and platform applications.
- 8–10+ years of experience in defense acquisition, business development, sales, or strategy, ideally with a focus on air platforms or autonomy.
- Strong track record of capturing and closing defense programs or tech insertions with European ministries of defence or multinational frameworks.
- Understanding of next‑gen air combat trends, including CCAs, MUM‑T, and AI‑enabled CONOPS.
- Ability to credibly represent technically complex products to both strategic and operational‑level audiences.
- Familiarity with key European defense programs (e.g., FCAS/SCAF, Tempest/GCAP, Eurodrone) and regional acquisition pathways.
- Willingness to travel extensively across Europe (30%).
Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.
X-BAT Capture Lead employer: Shield AI
Contact Detail:
Shield AI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land X-BAT Capture Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that X-BAT Capture Lead role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with stakeholders or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with air combat trends and defence acquisition. Tailor your conversations to demonstrate how your background aligns with Shield AI’s mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! In this high-impact role, you’ll need to think on your feet. Brush up on your knowledge of current defence programmes and be ready to discuss how you can influence customer requirements and CONOPS during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows us you’re serious about joining the Shield AI team and gives you a better chance to stand out in the crowd. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace X-BAT Capture Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the X-BAT Capture Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in defense acquisition and business development, especially with air platforms. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Shield AI!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills can help us redefine the battlespace. Be bold and visionary—just like we are at Shield AI!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to capture high-value opportunities. Numbers and results speak volumes, so let us know how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on joining our mission at Shield AI!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shield AI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Shield AI's products, especially the X-BAT and Hivemind systems. Familiarise yourself with current trends in air combat and how autonomy plays a role in defence. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves engaging with key stakeholders like Ministries of Defence and industry primes, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with similar stakeholders in the past to show you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
With 15+ years in a relevant air force occupation, be ready to discuss specific projects or deals you've closed. Highlight your understanding of CONOPS and how you've influenced customer requirements in previous roles. This will showcase your depth of knowledge and credibility.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to answer questions about technical aspects of air platforms and autonomy. Brush up on key European defence programmes and acquisition pathways. Being able to discuss these topics will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the challenges of the role.
