The Principal Capture Director – SOCOM – will lead the development and execution of Shield AI’s long-term business development and capture strategy focused on SOCOM Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (SOF AT&L) and collaborate with our service leads to design and implement SOF-component capture strategies aligned with the services (e.g. US Army Special Operations Command, Naval Special Warfare Command, etc).

This individual will drive Shield AI’s engagement and alignment with enterprise-level defense priorities, modernization initiatives, and SOCOM-level transformation efforts — shaping strategic growth opportunities that advance the company’s impact across the joint force.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive SOCOM/service SOF components capture strategy integrating service-aligned efforts across the DoW.

• Identify, qualify, and prioritize strategic opportunities aligned with SOCOM enterprise priorities.

• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders across SOCOM and SOF AT&L, — including key stakeholders within each PEO and critical proponent offices such as PEO SOF Warrior, PM Fixed Wing, PM Lethality, and JSOC.

• Serve as Shield AI’s principal interface for enterprise-level SOCOM engagements, ensuring a unified message and coordinated strategy.

• Anticipate and interpret policy, budget, and technology priorities emerging from SOCOM, translating them into actionable capture strategies and investment focus areas while supporting the teams’ execution of service-focused capture.

• Shape and influence SOCOM concepts, roadmaps, and acquisition approaches that define future autonomy, AI, and unmanned systems adoption.

• Established relationships with relevant operational commands, requirements developers, and acquisition offices
• Create/update existing capture plan and qualify programmed resource streams for Shield AI products in line with operational force needs
• Influence the production of future requirements and solicitations favoring Shield AI product offerings

• 10+ years of experience in business development, strategy, or capture within the Department of War ecosystem, with a focus on SOCOM enterprise-level engagements.
• Deep understanding of SOCOM organizational structures, acquisition systems, and decision-making processes at the Secretariat and Joint levels.
• Demonstrated success leading major captures ($50M+ value) or shaping large-scale defense initiatives through the full business development lifecycle.
• Proven ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior SOCOM stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate across technical, operational, and policy teams.
• Active Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred).

• Experience with emerging technologies in autonomy, artificial intelligence (AI), command and control (C2), unmanned systems (UAS), or ISR.
• Prior military, government, or industry experience supporting SOCOM efforts.
• Advanced degree in business, public policy, engineering, or a related field.