Business Development Lead

Accountabilities: As Business Development Lead, you will own strategic customer engagement and business development activities, helping translate innovative technology into long-term defense opportunities. Your responsibilities will include: Develop and execute business development strategies targeting Department of Defense customers across military services and relevant defense organizations. Identify, qualify, and pursue strategic opportunities for autonomous systems, robotics, and related technology capabilities. Build and maintain strong relationships with senior DoD officials, program offices, acquisition stakeholders, and members of the defense and intelligence community. Leverage knowledge of DoD programs, platforms, acquisition processes, and operational priorities to position solutions effectively. Lead business development, acquisition, and capture activities, guiding opportunities from initial engagement through potential program adoption. Navigate the Defense Innovation ecosystem and support the transition of emerging technologies into established programs, including programs of record. Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and corporate teams to align customer needs with product capabilities and business priorities. Present technical and strategic value propositions to senior executives, government customers, and other key stakeholders. Contribute to the company's strategic direction as a key member of the leadership team. Promote a culture of trust, customer focus, innovation, collaboration, and execution speed within a fast-paced startup environment. Requirements The ideal candidate combines proven defense-sector business development experience with strong customer relationships, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in an evolving technology environment. You should bring: At least 3 years of directly relevant experience leading business development, acquisitions, and/or capture teams for technology capabilities. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant DoD programs and platforms, enabling technologies, systems integration, communications, and software development. Established relationships with senior-level officials and program stakeholders across the defense and intelligence community. Strong understanding of defense procurement, acquisition processes, and customer requirements. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior executives and government customers. Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to build trust, encourage innovation, maintain customer focus, and drive execution. Ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, and general and administrative functions. Comfort working in a high-paced, evolving startup environment where priorities may change quickly. Genuine interest in contributing to the defense capabilities of the United States and its allies. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Preferred qualifications include: Previous experience working in a defense technology startup. Experience selling software solutions to the Department of Defense. Background in autonomous systems, robotics, or related technologies. Previous DoD program management experience. Prior military service. An engineering degree. Benefits Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of an emerging defense technology company. High-impact leadership role with direct engagement across the Department of Defense and defense innovation ecosystem. Opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in autonomous systems, robotics, and advanced technology. Close collaboration with engineering, operations, and business leadership teams. Dynamic startup environment offering the opportunity to contribute to innovative defense capabilities.