Senior Executive Recruiter - Aircraft (R6521)

We are seeking an intellectually curious, learning-agile, and strategic Senior Executive Recruiter to identify and attract exceptional leaders who will help shape Shield AI's future. As a fast-growing defense technology company, our hiring priorities evolve quickly, requiring adaptability, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while delivering results.

Reporting to the Head of Executive Search, the Senior Executive Recruiter – Aircraft will independently lead complex senior leadership searches across Shield AI's Aircraft organization, identifying leaders responsible for developing, producing, and scaling next-generation autonomous aircraft. This includes executive recruiting across hardware engineering, software engineering, manufacturing, production, supply chain, quality, and other critical technical and operational functions.

This senior individual contributor will own the full executive search lifecycle, from intake and market mapping through candidate assessment, offer negotiation, and close. The ideal candidate combines strong executive search fundamentals, business acumen, executive presence, operational rigor, and exceptional talent judgment. Success requires quickly developing expertise across technical disciplines, translating complex engineering requirements into effective recruiting strategies, building trusted relationships with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders, and delivering high-quality hiring outcomes. You will partner closely with business leaders, People Experience (PX) Business Partners, and Talent Acquisition colleagues to develop targeted search strategies aligned with business priorities.

Our Talent Acquisition team actively embraces AI and automation to accelerate research, improve decision-making, streamline execution, and create more capacity for high-value recruiting activities. We seek individuals who continuously identify innovative ways to improve executive search effectiveness.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.

8+ years of progressive executive recruiting or search experience, including independently managing complex senior leadership searches, ideally within high-growth technology, aerospace, defense, AI, autonomy, robotics, software engineering, automotive, or related technical industries.

Demonstrated experience recruiting senior technical leaders across hardware, software, engineering, manufacturing, production, or operations.

Proven ability to translate complex technical requirements into actionable recruiting and sourcing strategies across multiple engineering disciplines.

Strong executive sourcing, market mapping, passive candidate engagement, and assessment capabilities.

Proven ability to build credibility, advise, and influence senior-level hiring stakeholders.

Strong business acumen, executive presence, communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.

Experience applying structured executive assessments and competency-based interviewing methodologies.

Ability to manage multiple complex searches simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality, execution, and candidate experience.

Proficiency with applicant tracking systems, candidate relationship management platforms, and recruiting analytics tools.

Experience recruiting across multiple technical disciplines rather than specializing exclusively in one talent vertical.

Experience recruiting cleared or clearance-eligible talent.

Experience recruiting executives within high-growth, mission-driven technology organizations.

Familiarity with executive compensation, equity programs, and complex offer negotiations.

Experience operating within global or matrixed organizations.

Demonstrated ability to build diverse executive talent pipelines and support equitable hiring practices.

Experience partnering with executive search firms and external research providers.

Strong understanding of organizational dynamics and technical leadership structures.

Ability to bring structure to ambiguity and thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments.

Collaborative, personable, adaptable, and calm under pressure, with a positive approach to changing priorities.

We expect our Senior Executive Recruiters to demonstrate Shield AI's core values through their judgment, actions, and relationships.

Do What Honor Dictates

Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, transparency, and accountability in candidate assessments, hiring recommendations, and search outcomes.

Communicate candidly, honor commitments, and take ownership of results.

Live as a Servant Leader

Build trusted partnerships through collaboration, humility, responsiveness, and respect for diverse perspectives.

Prioritize the success of candidates, hiring leaders, and the broader organization while contributing to shared team objectives.

Pursue Excellence

Maintain high standards for executive talent quality, search execution, and candidate experience.

Demonstrate urgency, persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Continuously strengthen market expertise and leverage innovative tools, including AI, to improve hiring outcomes.

Search Execution: Independently deliver complex executive searches, consistently building strong candidate pipelines and achieving high-quality hiring outcomes.

Strategic Partnership: Earn the confidence of senior leaders through business acumen, market intelligence, sound talent judgment, and proactive communication.

Operational Excellence: Demonstrate disciplined execution, accountability, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while managing competing priorities.

Innovation & Collaboration: Leverage AI and recruiting technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness while contributing to team success and continuous improvement.

This role requires substantial independence, strong functional expertise, and ownership of executive search outcomes while contributing to broader recruiting priorities within the strategic direction established by Talent Acquisition leadership.

#LI-AA2

#LE

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.

 

###

 

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.