Senior Staff Business Development Account Executive – Autonomy Specialist

About the role

Shield AI is looking for a senior Business Development/Account Executive to lead growth of its Hivemind Autonomy platform across the Middle East, focusing on UAE defense and government customers. You will own the full sales cycle, shape complex opportunities, and build lasting relationships with key stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the end‑to‑end sales lifecycle for Hivemind opportunities, from pipeline generation to close.
• Develop and execute territory and capture strategies aligned with Shield AI’s strategic plan.
• Identify, qualify, and shape new business opportunities based on customer missions, budgets, and acquisition pathways.
• Lead proposal development with BD Operations and cross‑functional teams, ensuring alignment with customer requirements.
• Conduct competitive analysis and position Hivemind in multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Represent Shield AI at industry events to expand market presence and pipeline.

Required profile

• 10–15+ years of business development, sales, or capture experience in technically complex domains such as AI/ML, autonomy, SaaS, aerospace or defense.
• Proven track record of closing deals within UAE government or defense markets.
• Deep understanding of defense acquisition processes and government procurement lifecycle.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, with strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent graduate degree is a plus.

Required skills

• AI/ML and autonomy technologies
• SaaS and aerospace/defense domain knowledge
• Capture strategy development
• Defense acquisition and procurement processes