Senior Director, Air Force Strategic Capture (R4047) jobs in United States
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Shield AI · 1 month ago

Senior Director, Air Force Strategic Capture (R4047)

positionWashington, DC
timeFull-time
remoteOnsite
seniorityDirector/Executive
money$210K/yr - $320K/yr
date10+ years exp

Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. The Senior Director of Strategic Capture will lead the design and execution of business development strategies for the U.S. Air Force, shaping growth opportunities and ensuring alignment with operational priorities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesDronesMachine LearningNational Security
badNo H1BnoteSecurity Clearance RequirednoteU.S. Citizen Onlynote

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive Air Force strategic capture strategy that spans all Shield AI business units and product lines
Identify, qualify, and prioritize strategic opportunities aligned with USAF modernization goals (e.g., Collaborative Combat Aircraft, JADC2, ABMS, and Next Generation Air Dominance)
Build and maintain trusted relationships across USAF decision-makers, including MAJCOMs, AFWERX, SAF/AQ, AFRL, ACC, AFSOC, AMC, and PEO organizations
Serve as Shield AI’s key Air Force interface for strategic discussions, ensuring a unified message and coordinated engagement across all company divisions
Anticipate customer needs, understand program funding and priorities, and proactively align Shield AI offerings to emerging requirements

Qualification

Business developmentStrategic captureUSAF acquisition systemsAnalytical skillsEmerging technologiesLeadership skillsCommunication skillsPrior military serviceAdvanced degree

Required

10+ years of experience in business development, strategic capture supporting the U.S. Air Force or DoD
Deep knowledge of USAF organizational structure, acquisition systems, and decision-making processes
Demonstrated success leading major captures ($50M+ value) through the full lifecycle
Proven ability to influence senior USAF and DoD stakeholders
Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills with an ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams
Active Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred)

Preferred

Experience with emerging technologies in autonomy, AI, C2, aircraft systems, or ISR
Prior military service, particularly within Air Force acquisition, operations, or requirements communities
Advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field

Benefits

Bonus
Benefits
Equity
Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Company

Shield AI

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Glassdoor3.7
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Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians.
dateFounded in 2015
location
San Diego, California, USA
people-size1001-5000 employees
web-link
http://www.shield.ai

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
$1.31B
Key Investors
Hercules CapitalUS Innovative Technology FundSnowpoint Ventures
2025-03-06Series F· $240M
2023-12-29Debt Financing· $200M
2023-10-31Series F· $300M

Leadership Team

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Gary Steele
Chief Executive Officer
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Brandon Tseng
Co-Founder
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Recent News

Washington Technology
Two dozen corporate leadership moves to note as 2026 begins
2026-01-11
GlobeNewswire
Artificial Intelligence in Defense and Security Global Research Report 2025: Market to Reach $22.75 Billion by 2029 - Long-term Forecast to 2034
2026-01-07
Techmeme
A look at military tech startup Shield AI, recently valued at $5.6B, and its new CEO Gary Steele, who aims to grow annual revenue from $300M to $1B by 2028 (Jessica Mathews/Fortune)
2025-12-22
Company data provided by crunchbase