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X-BAT Business Development Director, Middle East (R4949)

Shield AI logoShield AIAbu DhabiInternshipListed 1mo ago
Apply on Shield AI (shows the role here)Before you apply: what we know about Shield AI

The posting

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 – CCAs, Middle East to lead strategic sales, customer engagement, and capture efforts for our Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiatives across the region. 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 CCA technologies by engaging directly with top-tier defense stakeholders - military customers, industry primes, and government decision-makers. Your mission: position Shield AI as the go-to partner for next-generation air combat solutions in the Middle East.

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

What you'll do

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  • Drive Strategic Capture: Identify, shape, and capture high-value opportunities across Middle Eastern next-gen airpower programs relevant to CCAs and autonomy.
  • Drive Regional Sales Pipeline: Lead the full business development lifecycle for CCA-focused efforts, from customer engagement through proposal, negotiation, and contract award.
  • Engage Key Stakeholders: Build and maintain trusted relationships with Ministries of Defence, defense primes, integrators, and key partners.
  • Shape Requirements & CONOPS: Influence customer requirements and future CCA CONOPS to align with Shield AI’s product offerings.
  • Support Demonstrations & Campaigns: Lead Shield AI’s positioning and participation in regional flight demos, technical trials, and program pilots.
  • Coordinate Cross-Functionally: Collaborate closely with engineering, product, legal, and program teams to align technical solutions with customer needs and delivery requirements.
  • Inform Product Direction: Provide field intelligence to guide feature development, integration strategy, and roadmap priorities for Hivemind-enabled CCA solutions.

Required qualifications

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  • 15+ years in a relevant air force occupation, bringing significant depth of understanding of relevant CONOPs and platform applications (preference for real-world operational experience flying tactical fighter aircraft with a strong technical background).
  • 3–5+ years of experience in defense acquisition, business development, sales, or strategy, ideally with a focus on air platforms or autonomy.
  • 5+ years of experience in region either operationally or from a defense business perspective
  • Strong track record of capturing and closing defense programs or tech insertions with relevant ministries of Defense or multinational frameworks.
  • Understanding of next-gen air combat trends, including CCAs, MUM-T, and AI-enabled CONOPS.
  • Ability to credibly represent technically complex products to both strategic and operational-level audiences.
  • Familiarity with key regional acquisition pathways.
  • Willingness to live in regional (preferably Abu Dhabi) and to travel extensively across the Middle East (30–50%).

#LI-LD2

#LF

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.

Taken from Shield AI's own posting, last seen live on 31 Oct 2026.

Apply on Shield AI (shows the role here)

The application

Your details and CV, then 25 questions (10 written).

Have readyCVCover letter (optional)LinkedIn (optional)X profile (optional)GitHub (optional)Portfolio (optional)
  1. 1.
    OtherShort answer · optional
  2. 2.
    Are you local to or willing to relocate?Yes or no
  3. 3.
    What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply)Pick any (7 options) · optional
  4. 4.
    If you selected international, what location(s)?Written answer · optional
  5. 5.
    Please select all languages that you are at minimum business conversational or fluent inPick one (8 options)
  6. 6.
    Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these misPick one: Yes · No · Other
  7. 7.
    (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below:Written answer · optional
  8. 8.
    This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following?Pick one: A United States Citizen · A lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Greencard holder) · A protected individual · Other
  9. 9.
    If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further.Written answer · optional
  10. 10.
    Are you a transitioning service member?Yes or no
  11. 11.
    If yes, what partnership program are you working with?Pick one: Hiring our Heroes · NextOp · Skillbridge general (no program) · optional
  12. 12.
    If other, please provide further detailsWritten answer · optional
  13. 13.
    When are you available to start your fellowship?Written answer · optional
  14. 14.
    When are you available for full time work?Written answer · optional
  15. 15.
    What full time job(s) are you applying for?Written answer
  16. 16.
    What languages are you fluent in?Pick one (8 options) · optional
  17. 17.
    RelocationYes or no
  18. 18.
    Office(s) to Relocate ToPick any (7 options) · optional
  19. 19.
    What location to relocate to (If International)Written answer · optional
  20. 20.
    If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details:Short answer · optional
  21. 21.
    Student Group/Club MembershipPick any (9 options) · optional
  22. 22.
    If you selected Other above, please specify below:Short answer · optional
  23. 23.
    Technical Accomplishments - School/InternshipsWritten answer · optional
  24. 24.
    ValuesWritten answer · optional
  25. 25.
    Preferred Work LocationPick any: San Diego, CA · San Mateo, CA · Frisco, TX · Arlington, VA · Seattle, WA

From Shield AI's apply page, checked 30 Oct 2026.

About Shield AI

Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, sold to militaries and government agencies.

Pay schedule: Full-time US staff are offered salary, a bonus, benefits and equity; international hires get a rewards package set by their country office.

Shield AI's sales postings, in full Live feed of Shield AI openings The Shield AI company page

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