Head of Partnerships

EVONA; Colorado; On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

EVONA is seeking a Head of Partnerships to lead strategic relationships across the defense platform ecosystem, identifying opportunities and developing them into revenue-generating partnerships.

Reporting to the CEO, you’ll own the pipeline with defense OEMs and UAS manufacturers, negotiating licenses and data-sharing agreements while shaping product and GTM strategy in a remote US-based startup.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in partnerships, BD or program management in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems.
• Proven ability to originate and close complex partnerships.
• Strong network across the US defense technology ecosystem.
• Experience selling or integrating technology into another company’s platform.
• Comfort with strategic planning and hands-on execution.
• US Secret clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Build and own strategic partnerships with defense platform OEMs.
• Develop relationships across emerging defense technology companies, UAS manufacturers and established industry players
• Originate new partnerships and build a strong pipeline.
• Take opportunities from first engagement through pilot programs, integration and commercial deployment
• Develop relationships with executive, technical and program stakeholders
• Work closely with government and industry stakeholders to identify emerging demand and opportunities
• Lead negotiations around licensing, joint development, data sharing and other commercial agreements
• Translate partner requirements and market feedback into insights for product and GTM strategy
• Represent the business at conferences, industry events and relevant consortia
• Maintain and grow partnerships after signature, supporting long-term adoption and revenue

Skills

Strategic partnerships

Business development

Program management

Sales & negotiation

Defense industry knowledge

Technical aptitude (autonomy/AI/ML)

Entrepreneurial mindset

US defense ecosystem network

Startup experience

Clearance eligibility

Job description

Head of Partnerships - Remote | US - Defense & Autonomous Systems

An innovative US defense technology startup is looking for a Head of Partnerships to lead the development of strategic relationships across the defense platform ecosystem. The company develops advanced autonomy technology designed to improve how defense platforms navigate and operate in complex environments.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll be responsible for identifying where the strongest partnership opportunities exist, opening those relationships and developing them from early conversations into integrated, revenue-generating partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and own strategic partnerships with defense platform OEMs
• Develop relationships across emerging defense technology companies, UAS manufacturers and established industry players
• Independently originate new partnership opportunities and build a strong pipeline
• Take opportunities from first engagement through pilot programs, integration and commercial deployment
• Develop relationships with executive, technical and program stakeholders
• Work closely with government and industry stakeholders to identify emerging demand and opportunities
• Lead negotiations around licensing, joint development, data sharing and other commercial agreements
• Translate partner requirements and market feedback into insights for product and GTM strategy
• Represent the business at conferences, industry events and relevant consortia
• Maintain and grow partnerships after signature, supporting long-term adoption and revenue

Key Requirements

• 6+ years of experience across strategic partnerships, business development or program management within defense, aerospace or autonomous systems
• Strong experience working with defense OEMs, UAS manufacturers, neoprimes or adjacent technology businesses
• A current network across the US defense technology ecosystem
• Track record of personally originating and developing complex partnerships
• Experience selling or partnering around technology that integrates into another company’s platform
• Technical aptitude across areas such as autonomy, navigation, robotics, software, AI/ML or avionics
• Entrepreneurial mindset with genuine pace, ownership and bias for action
• Comfortable switching between high-level partnership strategy and hands-on execution
• Experience within a startup or similarly fast-moving environment is highly desirable
• US Secret clearance or eligibility to obtain one

This role would suit someone who wants to build rather than inherit. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the partnership strategy, develop relationships across a rapidly evolving defense ecosystem and work alongside a small team bringing advanced autonomy technology onto real-world platforms.