Capture Manager, EUAF (R5138)

About Shield AI

Shield AI is a venture backed defense technology company focusing on AI pilots and autonomous aircraft. Founded in 2015, the company develops autonomy software, unmanned aircraft systems, and AI enabled ISR capabilities that support defense operations worldwide.

Job Description

The Senior Director of Strategic Engagement for Europe & Africa is a senior regional leader responsible for advancing Shield AI's strategic position across Europe & Africa through high value external engagement, relationship development, market insight, and business enablement.

What you'll do

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior defense, government, diplomatic, political, and industry stakeholders across Europe & Africa.
• Create opportunities for the regional business development team by opening doors with key decision makers and positioning Shield AI in priority accounts, markets, and partner ecosystems.
• Represent Shield AI at external engagements such as conferences, panels, executive meetings, and government or industry forums.
• Identify and help shape new business opportunities by surfacing customer priorities, partnership pathways, and regional developments.
• Advise the Shield AI executive team and internal leaders on regional strategy by providing actionable insight on market dynamics, stakeholder sentiment, policy context, and competitive positioning.
• Partner closely with regional business development leaders and cross functional teams to align external engagement activity with campaign priorities and product positioning.
• Help address complex or sensitive customer, partner, and market challenges by applying sound judgment and strategic problem solving.

Required qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in government, diplomacy, defense, aerospace, national security, international affairs, or advanced technology business development or strategic engagement roles.
• Demonstrated success working with senior government, military, diplomatic, or industry stakeholders in complex international environments.
• Strong understanding of the defense, security, or public sector landscape in Europe and/or Africa.
• Proven ability to influence outcomes without direct authority through credibility, judgment, communication, and relationship management.
• Excellent executive communication and presentation skills.
• Experience operating cross functionally and supporting strategic initiatives across business development, partnerships, product, and leadership teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently across Europe & Africa.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience serving as a public facing representative for an organization in policy, defense, diplomatic, or international business settings.
• Established network across relevant defense, government, diplomatic, and industrial stakeholders in Europe & Africa.
• Experience supporting international market expansion, strategic partnerships, or regional growth initiatives in defense or dual use technology sectors.
• Deep familiarity with AI, autonomy, unmanned systems, aerospace, or related defense technology markets.
• Advanced degree in international affairs, public policy, business, engineering, or a related field.

Why join Shield AI

• Help build the defining defense technology company of this century.
• Work at the forefront of AI, autonomy, and next generation defense systems.
• Operate in a highly entrepreneurial and mission driven environment.
• Make a direct impact on international growth and strategic defense partnerships.