Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, Hivemind (R4334)
Shield AI
Sales & Business Development
Washington, DC, USA
USD 210k-320k / year
Posted on Jan 7, 2026
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:
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Business Development Leader to drive Shield AI’s business development and sales pipeline. The successful candidate will play a critical role in meeting or exceeding orders growth targets while contributing to Shield AI’s long-term strategic objectives. This role is pivotal in shaping U.S. Government (with an emphasis on the U.S. Navy) strategies across the Department of Defense (DoD) and interagency sectors with a forward-looking, 5-year horizon.
What you'll do:
- Develop and execute strategic opportunities within the DoD and interagency enterprise to expand Shield AI’s technology and product reach with a focus on the US Navy portfolio.
- Inform and align with the company’s 5-year strategic plan, contributing to decisions around strategic transactions and growth opportunities.
- Collaborate closely with the Chief Growth Officer (CGO), Vice President of Business Development (VP of BD), and the broader Business Development team.
- Build and cultivate relationships with key customers, program offices, and strategic partners to grow the sales pipeline.
- Partner with capture teams and solutions engineers to secure and manage opportunities across the US Navy.
- Represent Shield AI at conferences, trade shows, and strategic events, ensuring impactful engagements with industry leaders.
- Proactively organize and facilitate high-level interactions at key industry events.
Required qualifications:
- Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 12 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 8 years experience; or equivalent experience.
- Extensive experience in business development within the defense, aerospace, or technology sectors.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans with measurable results.
- Strong relationships within the DoD, interagency, and associated markets.
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of conveying technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
- Track record of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, government relations, and external consultants.
Preferred qualifications:
- Long-term experience in the US Navy
- Experience with business development /sales
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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.
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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.
210000 - 320000 USD a year