James G Smart

Questioner
DISC Type : c

Director of Engineering at Shield AI

Washington DC-Baltimore Area, United States

Overview

James is a Director of Engineering at Shield AI, leveraging a distinguished 19-year career with the US Air Force and US Space Force. His background includes roles as Chief of Staff and Chief Engineer, and he holds a Master’s in Engineering Management from The Johns Hopkins University.

After nearly two decades in public service, he recently transitioned to the private sector to lead engineering innovation at Shield AI.

Personality Overview

Systematic

Price-Sensitive

Value Seeker

They generally do not appreciate an overfriendly approach and prefer to stay to-the-point.  They are more likely than others to negotiate on pricing and terms. They prefer to do thorough analysis of any situation.

Topics They Care About

Hiring Top Engineers
He is aggressively recruiting "rockstar" systems and mission systems engineers for what he calls the cutting edge of new offsetting capabilities and the future of AirPower.
Defense Innovation
He left a long-term military career to join Shield AI, a company he feels is at the forefront of designing the future of defense technology.
Military to Industry
He recently announced his "new chapter" in industry after 19 years of service, a significant personal and professional transition he is passionate about.

Media Appearances

Shield AI Demonstrates AI‑Enabled Autonomy for Future Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Featured in Shield AI Newsroom

See Now

Work History

8-2025
Director of Engineering at Shield AI
7-2024 - 8-2025
Chief of Staff at United States Space Force
4-2022 - 7-2024
Joint Integration Division Chief at United States Space Force
1-2022 - 3-2022
Chief Engineer, DAF Rapid Capabilities Office at United States Air Force
10-2020 - 1-2022
Program Manager, DAF Rapid Capabilities Office at United States Air Force

Education

2024 - 12-2026
Master’s of Engineering Management from The Johns Hopkins University
Professional Miltary Education from USAF Air War College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 20 Location : Washington DC-Baltimore Area, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Engineering at Shield AI
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Insights For Selling To James G

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Emphasise more on facts and measurable benefits
  • Share as much information as possible regarding your product
  • Back up any claims with data and numbers

DONT's

  • Avoid rushing them, be polite and patient
  • Don’t try to be too friendly or informal with them
  • Don’t depend too much on anecdotal evidence, it reduces their confidence

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with James G is

  • Confidence that the product provides ROI, effective pricing and process adherence matter the most to them.

  • Will you ever get a clear answer from James G

  • It doesn’t come naturally to them but they can say no if they are not convinced.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will James G move?

  • They can move at a reasonable pace while making their decisions if they have the necessary information.

  • Can James G take some risk or not?

  • They can take some risk if they are confident that they have analyzed the circumstances well.


You And James G

Personality Compatibility


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