Shield AI is seeking a high-performing Senior Business Development Lead to drive growth for Hivemind Autonomy across the Nordics, with a primary focus on defense and government customers.
Hivemind is Shield AI’s AI-powered autonomy software platform that enables intelligent aircraft, drones, and robotic systems to operate autonomously in complex and contested environments. It provides mission autonomy capabilities including navigation, teaming, decision-making, and autonomous mission execution across crewed and uncrewed systems.
This role is responsible for identifying, shaping, and closing complex opportunities while building enduring customer relationships and executing disciplined capture strategies.
What you'll do:
- Own and drive the full sales lifecycle for Hivemind opportunities across assigned accounts/territories (pipeline generation through close)
- Develop and execute territory and capture strategies for priority pursuits, aligning with Shield AI’s long-term strategic plan
- Identify, qualify, and shape new business opportunities through deep understanding of customer missions, budgets, and acquisition pathways
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, program offices, and influencers across defense and government customers
- Lead proposal development in partnership with BD Operations and cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and value propositions
- Conduct competitive analysis and position Hivemind effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Partner with Product, Engineering, and Solutions teams to translate customer needs into compelling technical and operational solutions
- Manage deal progression with rigour (qualification, deal strategy, forecasting accuracy, CRM hygiene)
- Represent Shield AI at industry events, conferences, and customer engagements to expand market presence and pipeline
- Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and leadership on pipeline status, risks, and key milestones
Required Qualifications:
- 10–15+ years of experience in business development, sales, or capture roles in technically complex domains (AI/ML, autonomy, SaaS, aerospace/defence, or similar)
- Proven track record of owning and closing deals, particularly within European government or defence markets
- Deep understanding of defence acquisition processes and government procurement lifecycle
- Strong experience developing and executing capture strategies for complex opportunities
- Technical aptitude and ability to engage credibly with Engineering, Product, and Operational stakeholders
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of operating in a fast-paced environment
- Bachelor’s degree required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience selling autonomy, AI/ML, or unmanned systems (UAS) solutions
- Prior military experience a plus
- Established relationships within defense, government, or aerospace customer sets
- Experience working with Large Systems Integrators (LSIs) and strategic partners
- Ability to travel as needed for customer engagements and industry events
- Active or eligibility for security clearance
- MBA or equivalent graduate degree
Skills Required
- 10-15+ years in business development, sales, or capture roles in technically complex domains (AI/ML, autonomy, SaaS, aerospace/defence)
- Proven track record owning and closing deals within European government or defence markets
- Deep understanding of defence acquisition processes and government procurement lifecycle
- Experience developing and executing capture strategies for complex opportunities
- Technical aptitude to engage with Engineering, Product, and Operational stakeholders
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Self-motivated, results-oriented, capable of operating in a fast-paced environment
- Bachelor's degree
- Experience selling autonomy, AI/ML, or unmanned systems (UAS) solutions
- Prior military experience
- Established relationships within defense, government, or aerospace customer sets
- Experience working with Large Systems Integrators (LSIs) and strategic partners
- Ability to travel as needed for customer engagements and industry events
- Active or eligibility for security clearance
- MBA or equivalent graduate degree
What the Team is Saying
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.
Shield AI Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-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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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
