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Staff Field Solution Engineer - XBAT - AMER (R6265)

Shield AI logoShield AIWashington, D.C., United StatesFull-timeListed 1d 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

Shield AI is hiring a Senior Solutions Engineer to support technical sales for a flagship aircraft program currently in early design and development. This role requires a proven leader who has supported large-scale domestic and international defense programs in the conceptual or pre-solicitation phase - ideally in tactical aviation or high-performance unmanned systems. This position will serve as a key technical interface to senior government stakeholders, business development, and engineering leadership, shaping requirements and aligning our product roadmap with future mission needs.

What you'll do

-

  • Serve as the technical lead supporting pre-sales engagements for a new advanced aircraft platform targeting high-end tactical missions.
  • Collaborate with senior leaders across Business Development, Engineering, and Product Management to influence product definition, capability prioritization, and solution alignment with customer operational concepts.
  • Support technical capture for domestic and international opportunities in early acquisition phases (e.g., AOAs, RFIs, Requirement Drafts, white papers, unsolicited proposals).
  • Shape and translate customer needs into actionable system requirements, roadmaps, and program strategies.
  • Develop compelling technical narratives and lead content development for briefings, RFIs, white papers, and proposal volumes.
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with customer technical stakeholders (including U.S. DoD program offices and foreign governments).
  • Contribute to internal investment decisions by assessing market signals, competitor activity, and technical feasibility.
  • Represent the broader Shield AI solution suite (including autonomy, AI pilots, ISR systems, and mission software) across the pre-sales lifecycle.

Required qualifications

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  • 5+ years in technical sales, capture, or engineering roles in defense or aerospace industries, with significant experience interfacing with U.S. DoD and/or international ministries of defense.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting government sales in pre-prototype or pre-solicitation phases.
  • Demonstrated excellence in presentation skills, organization of technical ideas, and narrative building for a variety of stakeholders at leadership levels with direct customers.
  • Experience with programs involving tactical aircraft, fighter jets, or group 5 UAS.
  • Proven success contributing to deals valued over $15M.
  • Strong systems-level understanding of aircraft design tradeoffs, customer CONOPS, and mission-based engineering.
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied science, or equivalent technical discipline.
  • Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to clearly translate technical information into compelling sales narratives for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage ambiguity, balance competing priorities, and operate independently in a fast-paced startup environment.
  • Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Preferred qualifications

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  • Experience working at a major defense prime (e.g., Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, Anduril, RTX) or USG in a technical business development, engineering, product management, advanced programs, or strategic pursuits capacity.
  • Background in multi-domain operations, autonomy, or networked ISR systems.
  • Familiarity with key acquisition programs (e.g., NGAD, CCA, FMS/DCS pathways).
  • Advanced degree in engineering or business with applicable focus areas.
  • Prior military service experience.
  • Prefer relocation to Dallas, TX or Washington DC

#LI-KC5

#LD

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.

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.

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 23 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 authorized to work in the United States?Yes or no
  3. 3.
    Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future?Yes or no
  4. 4.
    If yes, what type of sponsorship?Written answer · optional
  5. 5.
    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
  6. 6.
    If you selected "A protected Individual" OR "Other" to the above question, please explain further.Written answer · optional
  7. 7.
    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
  8. 8.
    (Optional) If you selected other or would like to expand on the above, feel free to do so below:Written answer · optional
  9. 9.
    If "Industry Conference" or "Other," please provide more details:Written answer · optional
  10. 10.
    Please state your full legal name:Short answer
  11. 11.
    Are you a transitioning service member?Yes or no
  12. 12.
    If yes, what partnership program are you working with?Pick one: Hiring our Heroes · NextOp · Skillbridge general (no program) · optional
  13. 13.
    If other, please provide further detailsWritten answer · optional
  14. 14.
    When are you available to start your fellowship?Written answer · optional
  15. 15.
    When are you available for full time work?Written answer · optional
  16. 16.
    What full time job(s) are you applying for?Written answer
  17. 17.
    Are you local to or willing to relocate?Yes or no
  18. 18.
    What office(s) would you be willing to relocate to? (Select all that apply)Pick any (7 options) · optional
  19. 19.
    If you selected international, what location(s)?Written answer · optional
  20. 20.
    What languages are you fluent in?Pick one (8 options) · optional
  21. 21.
    RelocationYes or no
  22. 22.
    Office(s) to Relocate ToPick any (7 options) · optional
  23. 23.
    What location to relocate to (If International)Written answer · optional

From Shield AI's apply page, checked 31 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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