Shield AI · 12 hours ago
Director, International Strategic Engagement - Europe & Africa (R4330)
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$170K/yr - $250K/yr
10+ years expShield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company dedicated to protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. As the International Strategic Engagement Director for the Europe & Africa region, you will develop and execute initiatives to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and support engagements at major facilities. This role involves coordinating international partnerships and enhancing Shield AI's presence in defense, aerospace, and technology ecosystems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
In this role, you will report into the regional Senior Director based out of Oslo, Norway, and work closely with both the Europe & Africa and U.S. teams to advance Shield AI’s partnerships, programs, and business opportunities
You will serve as one of the company’s primary U.S.-based representatives for Europe & Africa-related efforts, helping to ensure seamless coordination between international stakeholders and Shield AI’s domestic operations, and to strengthen the company’s relationships across the defense, aerospace, and technology ecosystems
Qualification
Required
Active U.S. Department of War Secret security clearance
Based in or willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area
Exceptional communicator: strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage seamlessly across government, military, and industry audiences
Charismatic leader with the ability to motivate and inspire others while conveying Shield AI's mission, technology, and products
Deep understanding of U.S. and allied defense acquisition processes and how they relate to international collaboration and export frameworks
10+ years of relevant military, defense industry, international business, and/or high-growth tech start-up experience with a clear track record of top performance
Proven ability to manage high-level stakeholder engagements, including senior defense officials, embassy representatives, and foreign delegations
Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a track record of exceeding goals and delivering impact across cross-functional teams
Strong cultural fluency and ability to work effectively with international partners across Europe & Africa
Demonstrated understanding or strong technical curiosity in UAV and/or AI autonomy systems
Willing and able to travel periodically, both domestically (for major demos, facility visits, and events) and internationally (for key meetings or trade shows)
Ability to collaborate closely with Shield AI's Chief Growth Officer, Chief Technology Officer, International EVP, the Europe & Africa regional leadership, and other U.S.-based leadership teams
Team-oriented, with the ability to balance collaborative communication with direct, forthright input
Proficient in the systems and tools required to operate at the speed of business
Preferred
Specific experience supporting Europe and/or Africa markets from a U.S.-based government or defense industry role
Prior UAV, autonomy, or AI-related business development experience
MBA or related Master's degree in international affairs, plus 10+ years of leadership and/or operational experience within the U.S. DoD or international equivalents
Familiarity with Europe/Africa and U.S. defense cooperation frameworks, foreign military sales (FMS), offset, and technology-transfer pathways
Strong research and analysis skills
Relevant foreign language skills (e.g., French, German, Spanish, Italian)
Either active or ability to obtain U.S. Department of War Top Secret / SCI clearances
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
2026-01-24
Morningstar.com
2026-01-19
Dynamic Business
2026-01-19
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