Shield AI: Careers, Salary, Culture & Funding

Sure. Shield AI is a San Diego-based company that focuses on AI-powered defense systems and drones. They were founded in 2015 and have been building their team in the Government / Public Service / Military space ever since. The company is led by Ryan Tseng. Right now the company has around 800 people on staff.

At its core, Shield AI is working on AI-powered defense systems and drones. Think of it this way — the Government / Public Service / Military industry has real challenges that traditional approaches haven’t fully solved, and Shield AI is trying to tackle those gaps. They’ve been able to attract serious funding, which suggests investors believe the approach has potential. Founded in 2015, the company has over 11 years of experience in the industry and a well-established track record.

Ryan Tseng serves as CEO. Based on the company’s progress and funding track record, the leadership appears to have relevant industry experience. The team is based primarily in San Diego, CA, and with approximately 800 employees, the company has a deep management structure and well-defined departments.

Shield AI has raised $500 million to date, with the most recent round being a Series F. Their investor list includes Andreessen Horowitz. That’s a solid group of backers, and the funding level tells you that outside parties have done their due diligence and believe in what the company is building.

It matters more than people think. A company with $500M in the bank isn’t scrambling to make payroll — it has runway to invest in its team, tools, and growth. For you as a potential employee, that usually means competitive compensation, better resources, and less risk of sudden layoffs. It also means they’re probably hiring, which gives you more leverage in negotiations. That said, funding alone doesn’t guarantee a great workplace, so always do your own research.

With a team of about 800 people, Shield AI is at the stage where they need a mix of both. You’d expect to see roles in engineering, product, and R&D given their focus on AI-powered defense systems and drones, but companies this size also hire for operations, marketing, sales, and general business functions. Check their careers page for current openings — the mix changes as priorities shift.

At 800 employees, you’re going to feel the startup energy — things move fast, roles can overlap, and you’ll likely wear multiple hats. The upside is that you’ll have real visibility and impact. Being in San Diego puts them in a strong talent market, which usually means the team around you will be sharp. One thing to keep in mind: early-stage companies can be exciting, but the pace isn’t for everyone. I’d recommend reaching out to current employees on LinkedIn to get a candid take before applying.