Business Development Manager, Japan at Shield AI

Tokyo, Japan

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Defense, Aerospace, Deep TechIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent military education
  • Exceptional communicator: Fluent in both Japanese and English with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills and the ability to engage seamlessly at all levels of business and government
  • Charismatic leader who can motivate, inspire, and impart excitement about Shield AI’s mission, technology, and products with the desire to help build the defining defense technology company of this century
  • Thorough understanding of Japan military operations and acquisition processes with the ability to maintain strong customer relationships
  • Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a track record of meeting and exceeding critical goals and deadlines
  • Proven leadership and/or acquisition and operational experience within the U.S. DoD or international equivalents and demonstrated understanding of Japan Air, Ground, Maritime Self-Defense Force equivalent operational scenarios and systems
  • Technical knowledge within UAV and/or AI disciplines, or demonstrated ability to learn quickly
  • Willing and able to travel both domestically and internationally, frequently and without restriction, including to customer sites
  • Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively while also being direct and forthright
  • Proficient in business systems and tools required for high-performance operations
  • MBA or equivalent advanced degree (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Support the International Business Development Regional Director in executing Shield AI’s strategy and objectives
  • Engage with customers regularly to present and discuss Shield AI products (V-BAT, X-BAT, Hivemind Products, and ViDAR)
  • Cultivate, nurture, and maintain strong relationships across the Japanese Government, military services, and defense industries to ensure engagements with key stakeholders
  • Represent Shield AI at trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events, showcasing our technology and capabilities
  • Devise and coordinate marketing and government relations initiatives to increase Shield AI’s visibility and influence
  • Plan and execute product demonstrations for prospective customers and partners
  • Customer interface with Embassy, MDAO, JMOD, ATLA, Government entities to include think tanks, academia, and local defense industry
  • Work cross-functionally to address customer needs and provide tailored responses
  • Lead and coordinate proposal responses and follow through to contract award
  • Develop and implement offset strategies and identify and execute other U.S. defense prime offset obligations
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date opportunity tracking in Salesforce and other business systems

Skills

Business Development
Defense Procurement
Customer Engagement
Product Demonstrations
Trade Shows
Government Relations
Marketing
Stakeholder Management
Sales Strategy
Japanese Defense

Shield AI

Develops AI and autonomous systems for defense

About Shield AI

Shield AI specializes in creating artificial intelligence and autonomous systems specifically for the defense industry. The company develops AI-powered systems, including autonomous drones, that assist military operations, especially in environments where GPS and communication may not be available. This technology allows for safer and more efficient defense operations. Shield AI differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on advanced AI capabilities and securing significant contracts with government and military clients, such as the multi-billion dollar EWAAC contract. The company's goal is to enhance operational capabilities and safety in military contexts, ultimately aiming to protect lives through its innovative solutions.

San Diego, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$772.8MTotal Funding
DEBTCompany Stage
AI & Machine Learning, DefenseIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Medical Insurance Coverage
Long Term Disability Insurance
Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidized Gym Membership
Pet Insurance
Competitive Compensation
Retirement Services
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Support
Flexible Work Hours
PTO
Paid Holidays
Commuter Benefits
Relaxed Dress Code
Yearly Swag Items
Unlimited Snacks
Bottomless Beverages
Annual Celebrations
Work From Home Benefits
Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo could divert investment from Shield AI.
Geopolitical tensions may challenge the JSW Defence partnership for V-BAT production in India.
Dependency on Palantir's infrastructure may limit Shield AI's operational flexibility.

Differentiation

Shield AI's Hivemind is the first autonomous AI pilot deployed in combat since 2018.
Strategic partnerships with Palantir and JSW Defence enhance technological capabilities and market reach.
Shield AI's V-BAT drone is selected for a $198 million U.S. Coast Guard contract.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems in defense boosts Shield AI's market potential.
Successful multi-aircraft autonomous flight tests showcase advanced AI piloting capabilities.
Significant investment in robotics indicates a robust market for Shield AI's offerings.

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