Head of Strategic Partnerships - Defense AI

Orion Placement; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Company equity

Job summary

Confidential Employer in the United States is seeking a high‑impact Partnerships Leader to shape our growth in defense tech. You will own the full partnership lifecycle, build relationships with defense manufacturers, and translate advanced AI capabilities into strategic collaborations.

Responsibilities include prospecting, negotiations, licenses, and coordinating with engineering for integrations, with 25–33% travel and on-site or hybrid work options in Austin or DC.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of sales, strategic partnerships, or business development experience.
• 2+ years of defense industry sales experience.
• Proven outbound pipeline development and experience closing licensing agreements.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead strategic partnerships with defense manufacturers, prime contractors, and systems integrators.
• Identify, prospect, and develop relationships with manufacturers of unmanned air, ground, and maritime systems.
• Own the full partnership pipeline, from outbound prospecting and initial discussions through negotiation and closing.
• Structure and negotiate licensing, teaming, joint development, and reseller agreements.
• Present advanced AI and software capabilities to technical and executive stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineering and deployment teams to coordinate product integrations, testing, and partner onboarding.
• Build compelling sales strategies and identify new opportunities across the defense technology market.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, forecast opportunities, and report pipeline performance to leadership.
• Represent our team at industry conferences, partner meetings, technical demonstrations, and other events.

Skills

Outbound sales

Strategic partnerships

Negotiation

B2B sales

Job description

Confidential Employer in the United States is seeking a high‑impact Partnerships Leader to shape our growth in defense tech. You will own the full partnership lifecycle, build relationships with defense manufacturers, and translate advanced AI capabilities into strategic collaborations.

Responsibilities include prospecting, negotiations, licenses, and coordinating with engineering for integrations, with 25–33% travel and on-site or hybrid work options in Austin or DC.