Business Development Lead

Jobgether; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Partner Company in the United States seeks a Business Development Lead to guide strategy and engagement with DoD customers across military services and the defense and intelligence community. You will collaborate with engineering and operations teams to translate autonomous robotics innovations into defense programs and contracts.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on pursuit of opportunities, shaping commercial direction in a fast-paced startup environment while contributing to

Qualifications

• 3+ years leading business development, acquisitions, and/or capture for tech capabilities.
• Knowledge of relevant DoD programs, platforms, and acquisition processes.
• Established relationships with senior defense and intelligence stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication for executives and government customers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute BD strategies targeting DoD customers across services.
• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities in autonomous systems and robotics.
• Build and maintain senior DoD relationships and program offices.
• Position solutions leveraging DoD programs, platforms, and acquisition priorities.
• Lead BD, acquisitions and capture from engagement to potential program adoption.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and corporate teams to align needs with capabilities.
• Present value propositions to executives, government customers, and stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic direction as part of the leadership team.
• Foster a culture of trust, customer focus, innovation, and execution speed.

Skills

DoD program knowledge

Strategic business development

Senior stakeholder engagement

Leadership & team guidance

Security clearance readiness

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Business Development Lead based in the United States.

Take on a strategic leadership role within an innovative defense technology environment focused on autonomous robotics and coordinated robotic systems. You will shape business development strategy and drive engagement with key Department of Defense (DoD) customers across military services and the broader defense and intelligence community. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will identify new opportunities, strengthen customer relationships, and guide emerging technologies toward successful adoption. Your work will help position advanced autonomous ground systems to address critical operational challenges and support evolving defense capabilities. As a key member of a fast-moving startup, you will collaborate with engineering, operations, and corporate teams to turn technical innovation into meaningful customer solutions. This is an opportunity to influence commercial direction while contributing to technologies designed to support the defense of the United States and its allies.

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.