Director of Government Relations, Asia (R4185) at Shield AI

Taipei, Taiwan

Shield AI Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Defense, Aerospace, Deep TechIndustries

Requirements

  • 10–15 years of experience in government relations, defense policy, or advocacy, ideally within defense technology, aerospace, or AI autonomy sectors
  • Proven success engaging with Asian governments and defense ministries, including experience in lobbying, intergovernmental coordination, or strategic advocacy
  • Strong understanding of the Asia-Pacific security landscape, regional defense priorities, and the intersection of policy and technology
  • Demonstrated ability to work in partnership with business development and capture teams on complex programs
  • Fluent in Mandarin Chinese (reading and speaking)

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute Shield AI’s Asia-Pacific government relations strategy, with a focus on defense, export controls, and emerging technology policy
  • Build and sustain trusted relationships with defense, security, and regulatory officials across the U.S. and Asian partner nations
  • Advocate for favorable policies and regulations enabling Shield AI’s VBAT, Hivemind, and future aircraft capabilities and product lines to operate and scale across the region
  • Secure appropriations, co-development funding, and other forms of support that advance Shield AI’s programs and objectives
  • Establish and grow Shield AI’s credibility and influence across Asia, ensuring continuous access and trust with key decision-makers
  • Partner closely with Business Development and Program Capture teams to align advocacy with business objectives and opportunity pipelines
  • Provide political, regulatory, and policy guidance to support pursuits and negotiations in complex, high-value defense programs
  • Enable multi-stakeholder cooperation among governments and industry partners to accelerate technology adoption
  • Represent Shield AI at regional defense, aerospace, and AI autonomy forums, as well as conferences, summits, and multilateral discussions
  • Engage proactively with think tanks, research institutions, and academia to position Shield AI as a leading voice on defense autonomy, AI policy, and ethical innovation
  • Build the company’s reputation as a trusted partner and thought leader across Asia’s defense and technology circles
  • Monitor and analyze evolving regional regulations, export controls, procurement frameworks, and defense policies impacting autonomy and unmanned systems
  • Anticipate and mitigate policy and regulatory risks across regional markets
  • Influence the broader policy environment to promote autonomy within the defense ecosystem
  • Drive measurable progress toward favorable regulatory outcomes and program-level opportunities

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Government RelationsPolicy AdvocacyDefense TechnologyRegulatory AffairsExport ControlsStrategic PartnershipsBusiness DevelopmentMandarin ChineseGovernment Engagement

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Where is this position based?

The position is based in Taipei.

What language skills are required for this role?

Fluency in Mandarin Chinese (reading and speaking) is required.

What experience is needed for the Director of Government Relations role?

Candidates need deep experience in defense technology, policy, and advocacy, along with a proven track record engaging with Asian governments, working alongside business development teams, and influencing outcomes at the highest levels of government and industry.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this role?

A strong candidate has fluency in Mandarin Chinese, deep expertise in defense technology, policy, and advocacy, and a proven track record of engaging Asian governments and influencing high-level outcomes.

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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