Shield AI · 1 day ago
Director, Solutions Engineering (R4159)
San Diego, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$170K/yr - $260K/yr
15+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. They are seeking a Director of Solutions Engineering to lead technical capture and customer engagement for the X-BAT aircraft program, ensuring alignment with customer needs and company strategy.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
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
Qualification
Required
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
Experience with advanced programs, autonomous systems, or tactical aircraft development at a defense prime or leading aerospace firm
Background in autonomy, electronic warfare, or networked ISR architectures
Familiarity with Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), CCA, and allied export/FMS pathways
Prior military aviation or acquisition experience
Advanced degree in engineering, business, or systems management
Willingness to relocate or travel frequently to Dallas, TX or Washington, D.C
Benefits
Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Company
Shield AI
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.31BKey Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M
Leadership Team
Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
Recent News
2025-12-11
Company data provided by crunchbase