Shield AI · 10 hours ago
Staff Solutions Engineer (R4212)
SD Metro Area
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$132K/yr - $198K/yr
5+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. They are seeking a Staff Solutions Engineer to lead technical sales and capture activities for the X-BAT aircraft program, specifically targeting the European defense market.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead pre-sales and technical engagement activities with European defense ministries, OEMs, and industry partners
Collaborate with Business Development, Engineering, and Program Management to align system capabilities with European CONOPS, mission sets, and interoperability requirements
Support FMS/DCS capture efforts and early acquisition phases (AOAs, RFI responses, white papers, and cooperative research initiatives)
Develop and present compelling technical narratives and product concepts for NATO-aligned missions (ISR, strike, autonomy integration)
Build enduring relationships with customer engineering offices, defense attaches, and partner OEMs to guide product fit and technical validation
Assess regional market dynamics, export constraints, and competitor positioning to inform internal investment and roadmap decisions
Represent the broader Shield AI technology ecosystem across autonomy, AI pilots, and mission systems throughout the customer engagement lifecycle
Qualification
Required
5+ years in technical sales, capture, or engineering roles in European defense or aerospace markets
Proven experience supporting or capturing programs with European MODs, NATO, or multinational industry teams
Strong presentation and technical storytelling skills for diverse audiences—from engineers to senior defense officials
Experience with Group 5 UAS, tactical aircraft, or combat air teaming concepts
Familiarity with European export control frameworks and transatlantic defense cooperation
Bachelor's degree in engineering or applied science; strong systems-level understanding of aircraft design and mission integration
U.S. security clearance (or ability to obtain) and eligibility for international travel and engagements
Preferred
Experience with European primes (BAE Systems, Airbus, Leonardo, Saab, Rheinmetall, etc.) or NATO programs
Background in coalition operations, multi-domain autonomy, or AI-enabled ISR systems
Knowledge of European Defence Agency (EDA), and other bilateral procurement frameworks
Advanced degree in engineering or business
Military, attaché, or liaison officer experience a plus
Willingness to travel frequently to Europe
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