X-BAT Business Development Director, Middle East (R4949)

The role

Lead business development and sales for Shield AI's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) technologies in the Middle East. You will engage defense customers, industry primes and government decision-makers, from opportunity capture through contract award.

What you will do

• Identify, shape and capture high-value next-gen airpower opportunities in the Middle East.
• Lead the full business development lifecycle for CCA efforts, from engagement to contract award.
• Build and maintain relationships with Ministries of Defence, defense primes, integrators and partners.
• Influence customer requirements and future CCA CONOPS to fit Shield AI's products.
• Lead positioning and participation in regional flight demos, technical trials and pilots.
• Work with engineering, product, legal and program teams to align solutions with customer needs.
• Provide field intelligence to guide Hivemind-enabled CCA features and roadmap priorities.

Required qualifications

• 15+ years in a relevant air force occupation, with depth in CONOPS and platform applications.
• Real-world operational experience flying tactical fighter aircraft, with a strong technical background (stated as a preference).
• 3–5+ years in defense acquisition, business development, sales or strategy, ideally on air platforms or autonomy.
• 5+ years of experience in the region, operationally or from a defense business perspective.
• Track record of capturing and closing defense programs or tech insertions with defense ministries or multinational frameworks.
• Understanding of next-gen air combat trends, including CCAs, MUM-T and AI-enabled CONOPS.
• Ability to represent technically complex products to strategic and operational audiences.
• Familiarity with key regional acquisition pathways.
• Willingness to live in the region (preferably Abu Dhabi) and travel 30–50%.

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location.

Before you apply

• Full compensation and benefits details are provided by the talent acquisition partner.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems, including Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies. It has offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.