Business Development – (UAV)

Keka Technologies Private Limited; India; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Keka Technologies Private Limited in India seeks an experienced Assistant Manager – Business Development to spearhead growth in UAV unmanned systems for defence and homeland security. You will own key accounts across Armed Forces, paramilitary agencies and DRDO/DPSUs, shaping opportunities from identification to tender responses.

Lead pre-sales, technical proposals, field demos and POC evaluations, partner with engineering for roadmap input, and drive long, trials-driven sales cycles to closure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering in relevant field; MBA/management qualification is a plus.
• 4–5 years of experience in pre-sales, BD, or technical sales with a defence/aerospace/UAV focus.
• Strong understanding of UAV systems and ISR payloads; experience with defence procurement.
• Proven ability to manage long-cycle defence deals and meet targets.
• Excellent communication, presentation and proposal writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow a portfolio of defence accounts across Armed Forces and DRDO/DPSUs.
• Build account/territory plans and deliver revenue targets.
• Lead technical proposals, tender responses, and field demos/POCs.
• Coordinate with engineering and product teams; influence roadmap with market feedback.
• Represent the company at defence events and manage bid compliance and forecasting.

Skills

Pre-sales experience

Business development

Technical sales

Defence / aerospace / UAV experience

UAV systems knowledge

Procurement experience (DAP / tender /

GSQR/QR interpretation

MS Office proficient

CRM tools

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace / ECE / Electronics / Mechanical / Instrumentation)

MBA / management qualification is a plus

Tools

MS Office

CRM tools

Job description

Preferred Background: Engineering (Aerospace / ECE / Electronics / Mechanical / Instrumentation); MBA is a plus

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: [City / On-site / Hybrid]

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Manager – Business Development to lead growth for our UAV / unmanned systems solutions in the defence and homeland security sector. You will own key accounts across the Armed Forces, paramilitary/CAPFs, DRDO/DPSUs, and government agencies — driving opportunities end to end, shaping winning technical proposals, and steering long, trials-driven defence sales cycles to closure.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Account Ownership

• Own and grow a portfolio of key defence accounts — Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), paramilitary/CAPFs (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB), DRDO, DPSUs, and homeland security agencies.
• Build and execute account and territory plans; carry and deliver on revenue / order-book targets.
• Develop and maintain senior-level relationships with decision-makers, nodal officers, system integrators, and channel partners.
• Drive engagement in defence programs and initiatives (iDEX, Make-I/II, indigenization / Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and shape opportunities early in the requirement stage.

Pre-Sales / Technical Leadership

• Lead interpretation of GSQR/QR and tender specifications and define the solution strategy, platform, and payload configuration.
• Own the technical proposal process end to end — compliance matrices, quotations, and structured tender/RFP responses — ensuring quality and win-readiness.
• Lead technical presentations, customer briefings, and the planning and execution of field trials, flight demos, and POC evaluations.
• Serve as the primary technical bridge between customers and internal engineering / product teams; influence the product roadmap with field and market insights.
• Conduct competitive intelligence and shape positioning, differentiation, and pricing strategy.

Leadership & Coordination

• Represent the company at defence exhibitions and forums (e.g., DefExpo, Aero India) and build brand presence.
• Ensure compliance with procurement documentation, indigenous content (IDDM) requirements, and trial protocols.
• Mentor and guide junior pre-sales / BD executives and coordinate cross-functionally across operations, finance, and legal for bids and delivery.
• Provide accurate forecasting and pipeline reporting to leadership.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering — Aerospace, ECE, Electronics, Mechanical, Instrumentation, or related field; MBA / management qualification is a plus.
• 4–5 years of experience in pre-sales, business development, or technical sales, with a proven track record in the defence / aerospace / UAV / electronics industry.
• Solid understanding of UAV systems: airframes (fixed-wing, VTOL, multirotor), flight controllers, datalinks, ground control stations, and ISR payloads (EO/IR gimbals, LiDAR, and related sensors).
• Hands-on experience with defence procurement — DAP, tendering, trials/evaluation, GeM / e-procurement, and GSQR/QR interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex, long-cycle defence deals and deliver on targets.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and proposal/compliance-writing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM tools for pipeline and account management.
• Willingness to travel extensively for client engagements, field trials, demos, and events.