Director, Solutions Engineering (R4159) at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Defense, AerospaceIndustries

Requirements

15+ years of experience in aerospace or defense technical capture, systems engineering, or business development roles
Demonstrated ability to shape early capture pursuits and align solution concepts with long-term program strategy
Proven success interfacing between technical program teams and customer-facing business development organizations
Deep understanding of tactical aviation or Group 5 UAS systems, including mission tradeoffs and operational design drivers
Strong systems-level engineering perspective with the ability to translate operational concepts into actionable architectures
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for both technical and executive audiences
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied science, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
Active or eligible U.S. security clearance
Demonstrated ability to lead in fast-paced, ambiguous environments requiring cross-functional coordination and executive judgment
Preferred qualifications
Experience with advanced programs, autonomous systems, or tactical aircraft development

Responsibilities

Lead technical capture and solution strategy for the X-BAT aircraft program across U.S. and international defense opportunities
Collaborate with Business Development, Program Management, and Engineering teams to translate customer needs into clear design intent and program priorities
Shape and interpret early acquisition activities (RFIs, AOAs, draft RFPs, white papers) into actionable system concepts and campaign strategies
Drive alignment between customer CONOPS, technical architecture, and program execution, ensuring what is promised can be delivered within the vehicle roadmap
Develop and deliver technical narratives, proposals, and executive-level briefings that clearly articulate X-BAT’s mission relevance and technical advantage
Build and maintain trusted relationships with DoD and international defense stakeholders, representing X-BAT as the authoritative technical voice during early capture
Support competitive analysis, investment prioritization, and solution differentiation across evolving international campaigns
Work closely with the X-BAT program office to ensure sales commitments, technical baselines, and engineering execution remain aligned
Mentor junior solutions engineers and help establish a scalable, technically rigorous sales engineering function as program demand grows
Represent the full Shield AI autonomy ecosystem — including Hivemind, AI Pilot, ISR payloads, and mission software — as part of integrated campaign solutions

Skills

Tactical Aviation Systems

Government Engagement

Multi-Domain Operations

Technical Capture

Solution Strategy

Business Development

Program Management

Engineering Collaboration

RFIs

AOAs

RFPs

CONOPS

Technical Architecture

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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