Sr. Manager, International Strategic Engagement - Asia
Shield AI
Washington, DC, USA
USD 171,192-256,788 / year + Equity
Posted on Dec 20, 2025
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 nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
As an International Strategic Engagement Senior Manager for the Asia region, based in Washington, D.C., you will play a key role in Shield AI’s international growth and U.S.-based engagement strategy. You will be responsible for developing and executing initiatives that strengthen relationships with key Asia-region stakeholders—particularly through coordination with embassies, defense attachés, and visiting delegations in D.C.—as well as supporting engagements and demonstrations at Shield AI’s major facilities in Texas, California, and the D.C. area.
What you'll do:
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:
- United States Citizen.
- Active U.S. Department of War Secret security clearance.
- 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, international business, and/or high-growth tech start-up experience with a clear track record of top performance.
- 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 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 or trade shows).
- Ability to collaborate closely with Shield AI’s Chief Growth Officer, Chief Technology Officer, International EVP, the Asia 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.
- Prior UAV, autonomy, or AI-related business development experience.
- MBA or related Master’s degree in international affairs, plus 10+ years of leadership and/or operational experience within the U.S. DoD or international equivalents.
- Familiarity with U.S.-Asia defense cooperation frameworks, foreign military sales (FMS), offset, and technology-transfer pathways.
- Strong research and analysis skills.
- Relevant foreign language skills (e.g., Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin).
- Either active or ability to obtain U.S. Department of War Top Secret / SCI clearances.
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.
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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.
171192 - 256788 USD a year