Lead, Strategy & Operations at Shield AI

Dallas, Texas, United States

Apply Now

Not SpecifiedCompensation

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

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Defense Technology, Aerospace, Artificial IntelligenceIndustries

Requirements

Min 3–6 years’ experience at a top-tier strategy firm (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) or investment bank (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, etc.), with a clear track record of top-decile performance (top 0.1% preferred)
Undergraduate degree from a top-tier institution (MBA a plus but not required)
Exceptional structured thinking, executive communication, and writing skills
Proven ability to move fluidly between strategy and execution—equally comfortable modeling in Excel, writing narratives, and presenting to senior stakeholders
Deep intellectual curiosity about national security, AI, autonomy, or aerospace
A bias for action and an ownership mindset. You are driven by purpose, not prestige

Responsibilities

Drive mission-critical strategic initiatives across: AI pilots and autonomous systems, Aerospace platform development, International expansion strategies, Mergers & acquisitions, Emerging markets and frontier technologies
Craft and deliver high-impact content, including: Investor presentations and board updates, Government strategy briefs and competitive intelligence reports, Internal narratives to align leadership and execution
Build business cases for billion-dollar opportunities, applying deep analytical rigor and structured thinking to support executive decision-making
Partner directly with cross-functional leaders in engineering, product, business development, and operations to execute high-leverage, cross-company initiatives
Bring clarity to ambiguity by turning loosely scoped problems into actionable frameworks, strategic options, and go-forward plans

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Strategic PlanningBusiness AnalysisMergers & AcquisitionsCompetitive IntelligenceInvestor PresentationsCross-functional LeadershipAI StrategyAutonomous SystemsAerospace DevelopmentInternational Expansion

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Lead, Strategy & Operations role?

The salary range is $130,000 - $185,000 a year, plus bonus, benefits, and equity for full-time regular employees.

Is this a remote position or does it require working from an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What experience is required for this position?

Minimum 3–6 years’ experience at a top-tier strategy firm like McKinsey, BCG, Bain or investment bank like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, with top-decile performance.

What kind of company culture is there at Shield AI?

Shield AI focuses on solving complex challenges in defense and autonomy, with a mission to protect service members and civilians using intelligent systems, offering opportunities to work directly with CEO and senior leadership on high-impact initiatives.

What makes a strong candidate for this role?

Candidates with an undergraduate degree from a top-tier institution, exceptional structured thinking, executive communication, writing skills, ability to move between strategy and execution, deep intellectual curiosity about national security, AI, autonomy, or aerospace, and a bias for action and ownership mindset stand out.

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.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI

Try Jobo Free