Staff BD Account Executive, Autonomy Specialist - Australia (R5135)

Shield AI is seeking a high-performing Business Development / Account Executive to drive growth for Hivemind Autonomy across the APJ with a primary focus on Australia based defense and government customers.

This role is responsible for identifying, shaping, and closing complex opportunities while building enduring customer relationships and executing disciplined capture strategies. You will partner closely with Sales Leadership, Product, Engineering, and Strategic Engagement teams to align customer needs with Hivemind’s autonomy capabilities and deliver mission-critical outcomes. 

The ideal candidate is a customer-first, technically credible seller with strong capture instincts, experience navigating defense acquisition processes, and a proven track record of winning and expanding strategic accounts. 

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 rigor (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 

Strong pipeline generation and progression within assigned accounts and territories 

Successful execution of capture strategies resulting in qualified opportunities and wins 

Improved deal velocity and win rates through disciplined qualification and positioning 

Establishment of trusted relationships with key customer stakeholders and partners 

Consistent, accurate forecasting and high-quality CRM and pipeline hygiene 

Meaningful contribution to revenue growth across the APJ Hivemind business 

10–15+ years of experience in business development, sales, or capture roles in technically complex domains (AI/ML, autonomy, SaaS, aerospace/defense, or similar) 

Proven track record of owning and closing deals, particularly within UAE government or defense markets 

Deep understanding of defense 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 

Must be fluent in English

Experience selling autonomy, AI/ML, or unmanned systems (UAS) solutions a plus 

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 

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Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

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. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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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.