Salary Range: 170000 to 270000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown jets (F-16; MQM-178 Firejet), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (MQ-35 V-BAT), and three quadcopters (Nova, Nova 2, iPRD). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington DC and abroad. Shield AI’s products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies.

Shield AI is building the world’s best AI pilots. As a rapidly growing defense technology company, we’re seeking a highly motivated and independent corporate development professional to join our team. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Development, this position will play a critical role in driving Shield AI’s growth through strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and business-to-business deal structuring. The ideal candidate is a highly independent “athlete” who is comfortable taking ownership of projects and driving them to successful outcomes.

The candidate will bring some combination of expertise in the defense and/or technology sectors, coupled with a background in corporate development, private equity, legal, banking, or strategy consulting. We are looking for an independent, versatile, results-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and works seamlessly across teams to achieve impactful outcomes.

What you’ll do:

Strategic partnerships:
Identify, evaluate, negotiate and structure complex business-to-business deals and partnership opportunities.
Help foster and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders and industry leaders.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A):
Lead valuation analyses, financial modeling, and comprehensive due diligence for acquisition targets.
Manage end-to-end M&A processes, including deal sourcing, negotiation, and post-transaction integration.
Collaborate with internal teams to align transactions with Shield AI’s strategic objectives.

Cross-functional Leadership and Collaboration:
Work closely with finance, legal, product, engineering, and operations teams to support corporate development initiatives.
Provide thoughtful input as a trusted advisor to Shield AI’s executive team on growth strategies.

Market insights and Strategic Planning:
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities in the defense and technology sectors.
Present actionable insights and recommendations to inform corporate development efforts.
Assist other corporate executives on strategic initiatives.

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, JD, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
6–10+ years of relevant experience in corporate development, private equity, investment banking, strategy consulting, or legal fields.
Strong knowledge of the defense industry and cutting-edge software and AI technologies is highly desirable.
Demonstrated experience in valuation, transaction processing, and due diligence.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a talent for influencing and building relationships across teams. Ability to clearly articulate, present, and document analysis and insights.
Self-driven and adaptable, with a proven ability to excel in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Total package details for U.S. based positions:

- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days

of employment)

- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):

- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer

allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Corporate Development Leader

Shield AI

Compensation Overview

What you’ll do:

Required qualifications:

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

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