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Shield AI

a16z portfolio company

Capture Manager - XBAT - USAF (R6205)

Location
Remote
Work arrangement
Remote
Job type
Full-time
Compensation
USD 280,000–420,000

About the role

Posted Oct 17, 2026

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we’re redefining the battlespace with autonomy-enabled airpower. As part of our global expansion, we’re looking for a bold and visionary Director – USAF Advanced Systems to lead strategic sales, customer engagement, and capture efforts for our X-BAT and other advanced systems supporting USAF markets. This is a high-impact role at the cutting edge of aerospace and defense innovation. You’ll be on the front lines, driving adoption and revenue for Shield AI’s technologies by engaging directly with top-tier USAF stakeholders.  

You’ll bring a rare mix of defense sales expertise, technical credibility, and a deep understanding of USAF missions and acquisition frameworks. From identifying new opportunities to closing complex deals and launching early-stage programs, you’ll own the entire advanced system business development lifecycle for USAF customers. 

The Advanced Systems Program Director – Air Force will lead Shield AI’s Advanced Systems programmatic capture actions involving Air Force opportunities. This individual will guide, shape, and inform X-BAT and other advanced system capture actions as Shield AI’s lead agent for program office interaction and design.  

What you'll do:

  • Lead Shield AI’s work with acquisition offices shaping and responding to solicitations.  
  • Drive teams toward multi-year strategic Air Force program wins and close high-value contracts. 
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships within program offices and manage industry partner relationships.  
  • Anticipate customer needs and influence policy, requirements, and solicitations to positively align with Shield AI portfolios. 

Required qualifications:

  • 10+ years strategic capture / Air Force acquisition experience  
  • Deep knowledge of Air Force acquisition and/or requirements processes 
  • Experience with emerging technologies  
  • Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills with the ability to cross-collaborate across technical and operational teams 
  • Active Secret clearance (TS preferred) 
  • DAWIA Program Manager - Advanced certification  

Preferred qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field 
  • Air Force program capture within previous 5 years 
Pay range is based on On Target Earnings (OTE)
#LI-AA2
#LG

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

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At a glance

Location
Remote
Workplace
Remote
Employment
Full-time
Team
Growth Division
Compensation
USD 280,000–420,000
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You’ll be taken to Shield AI to apply.

The company

Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI's mission is to protect service members and innocent civilians with artificially intelligent systems. Our initial focus is on the last several miles of the battlefield where we lack capability to collect intelligence. This area is beyond the view of high altitude sensors, too dangerous for people, and too complex for robots to navigate. Consequently, service members are asked to make life altering decisions with limited information. Mistakes are made that cost lives and incur massive collateral damage. Such mistakes cause the United States to lose support of local populations and make conflict unwinnable. This problem is widely recognized throughout the DoD, including the most senior leadership. To address this problem, we are building swarms of small intelligent robots to collect the critical missing information. The systems will scour indoor and outdoor spaces in search of threats and innocent people. They will be deployed by people, trucks, ships, aircraft, and other robots. These robots will become more numerous in combat areas than soldiers. Synthesized information will be presented to service members who will be empowered to make decisions leading to intended outcomes without collateral damage. Conflict becomes less brutal.

Series G

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