Capture Manager - XBAT - USAF (R6205)

Remote; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is leading the evolution of autonomy-enabled defense solutions for USAF markets. The Director - USAF Advanced Systems will own strategic capture, customer engagement, and program-office interactions across advanced systems including X-BAT, driving multi-year Air Force program wins.

You will guide early-stage programs, build relationships with USAF acquisition offices, and coordinate with technical teams to shape solicitations and maximize portfolio alignment with Shield AI offerings.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Strategic capture

Air Force acquisition

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Cross-collaboration

Emerging technologies

Education

DAWIA Program Manager - Advanced certification

Job description

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