Business Development Director

Jaia Robotics, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Jaia Robotics, Inc. is seeking a Director of Business Development to lead the expansion within the U.S. Department of Defense. This experienced role requires a proven track record in defense markets and a deep understanding of DoD procurement processes. Responsibilities include identifying business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and achieving revenue targets. The ideal candidate will represent Jaia at key industry events and collaborate with the product team. A Bachelor's degree and CRM experience are required.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of selling into defense markets.
• Deep understanding of DoD procurement processes including OTAs and SBIRs.
• Ability to navigate complex acquisition cycles.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities within the DoD.
• Develop and execute a strategic pipeline aligned with product capabilities.
• Leverage existing relationships to accelerate sales cycles.

Skills

Sales into defense markets

Understanding of DoD procurement processes

Established network in defense

Proposal writing

Customer relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field

Tools

CRM tools

Job description

We areseekingan experienced and driven Director of Business Development to lead Jaia Robotics’ expansion within the U.S. Department of Defense and broader defense ecosystem. This role is central to our growth strategy and willbe responsible foridentifying, developing, and closing new revenue opportunities across DoD programs, commands, and contracting vehicles.

The ideal candidate brings a proventrack recordof selling into defense markets, a deep understanding of DoD procurement processes — including OTAs, SBIRs, and traditional FAR-based acquisitions — and an established network of relationships across relevant program offices, PEOs, and system integrators. This is not an entry-level sales role; we are looking for someone who can open doors, navigate complex acquisition cycles, and drive meaningful revenue from day one.

In addition to direct business development, this individual willrepresentJaia at key industry events, tradeshows, and government forums — including Sea Air and Space, AUVSI XPONENTIAL, and WEST — building brand presence and strategic partnerships. This role reports directly to senior leadership and will play a critical part in shaping Jaia’s go-to-market strategy within the defense sector.

Job Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities within the DoD, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, SOCOM, and relevant defense agencies
• Develop and execute a strategic pipeline of defense opportunities aligned with Jaia’s product capabilities and roadmap, with a focus on near‑term revenue generation
• Leverage existing relationships with program offices, PEOs, PMs, contracting officers, and prime integrators to accelerate sales cycles and position Jaia favorably in procurement decisions
• Navigate DoD acquisition pathways — including OTA consortia, SBIR/STTR transitions, GSA schedules, and traditional FAR‑based contracts — identifying the optimal route to contract for each opportunity
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with prime contractors, system integrators, and defense‑focused distributors to extend Jaia’s reach and enable teaming arrangements
• Represent Jaia Robotics at key industry events, conferences, and government forums, delivering compelling pitches and product demonstrations to senior military and civilian stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with the product and engineering teams to align customer requirements and emerging DoD needs with Jaia’s product development priorities
• Lead proposal efforts in partnership with internal teams, ensuring responses are competitive, compliant, and compelling
• Maintain accurate forecasting, pipeline reporting, and opportunity tracking through CRM tools, providing regular updates to leadership
• Monitor the competitive landscape, emerging threats, and DoD investment trends to proactively shape positioning and strategy

Accountable For

• Achievement of annual revenue targets and pipeline growth milestones within the DoD and defense markets
• Development and active management of a qualified, stage‑gated opportunity pipeline sufficient to meet and exceed revenue goals
• Successful navigation of DoD procurement processes, ensuring Jaia is positioned and compliant to win contracts across applicable acquisition vehicles
• Quality and competitiveness of proposals and responses to government solicitations, including RFIs, RFPs, and OTA applications
• Establishment and maintenance of high‑value relationships with DoD stakeholders, program offices, and strategic partners
• Accurate and timely reporting of sales activity, forecasts, and competitive intelligence to senior leadership
• Upholding Jaia’s reputation as a capable, mission‑focused, and trustworthy partner in all government and industry‑facing interactions
• Contribution to the overall strategic direction of Jaia’s defense go‑to‑market efforts, including input on product positioning, pricing, and partnership strategy

It Would Be Awesome If You Had

• Experience in engineering, oceanography, business, communications, or marketing.
• Knowledge and experience operating our JaiaBot vehicles.
• Commitment to protect our environment.
• Seamanship or boating skills.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. You must also be eligible to obtain security clearance.

Jaia Robotics, Inc. | 22 Burnside St | Bristol | RI 02809 | [e-mail] I [phone] | www.jaia.tech