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Our mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.
The Role
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems. Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software). With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
The International Director of Government Relations for Europe will lead Shield AI's government relations strategy across European markets, building and maintaining relationships with key government stakeholders, defense ministries, and regulatory bodies. This role is critical in expanding Shield AI's European footprint and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This role will report to the Head of Government Relations.
What you'll do:
- Develop and execute Shield AI's government relations strategy across European markets
- Establish and maintain relationships with European defense ministries, procurement officials, regulatory bodies, and key decision-makers
- Monitor and analyze European defense policy developments, regulatory changes, and geopolitical trends affecting autonomous systems and AI in defense
- Represent Shield AI at high-level European defense forums, industry events, and government meetings
- Collaborate with business development teams to identify opportunities and secure contracts with European defense entities
- Advise senior leadership on European market entry strategies and regulatory compliance
- Lead cross-functional teams to navigate complex procurement processes in various European countries
- Coordinate with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to export controls and international regulations
- Build coalitions with industry partners and advocacy groups to shape favorable policy environments
- Ensure alignment of European messaging and policies with Shield AI strategic objectives
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in government relations, preferably in defense technology or aerospace sectors
- Extensive knowledge of European defense procurement processes and regulatory frameworks
- Established relationships with European defense ministries and government officials
- Experience navigating NATO-related defense initiatives and multinational defense programs
- Deep understanding of AI and autonomous systems regulatory landscape in Europe
- Exceptional diplomatic and negotiation skills with ability to engage effectively at senior government levels
- Degree in International Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, or related field, advanced degrees are preferred
- Fluency in English and proficiency in at least one other major European language
- Prior experience managing external consultants is preferred
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout Europe (40-50%)
- Security clearance or ability to obtain appropriate clearances
Our international team members are employed through our Employer of Record (EOR) and receive a comprehensive international benefits package on top of base salary. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.
What the Team is Saying
Dylan
Lead Engineer, Planning and Controls-Motion
Mo
Lead Engineer, Platform Automation
Willy
Technical Director
Michael
Engineering Manager - State Estimation
Vibhav
Senior Staff Engineer
Kirby
Mechanical Engineer
Ryan
CEO
Evan
Senior Machine Learning Engineer
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
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The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
Flexible
