Manager, Defense Growth

Saildrone; Washington; On-site; USD 114,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Health coverage

Equity/Shared ownership

401(k)

Professional development reimbursement

Relocation support

Job summary

Saildrone, a maritime defense leader, seeks a Manager, Defense Growth to drive DoW sales and campaign efforts. You will coordinate DoW/Navy engagements, coordinate RFI/RFP responses, and shape government messaging with internal teams to win high-stakes opportunities.

You will lead strategy, briefing materials, and client relations, traveling up to 30% to client sites, the Pentagon, and Capitol Hill as needed. A strong DoD network and clear communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience engaging with DoW and U.S. Navy stakeholders and a track record in major proposal execution.
• Ability to develop messaging for campaigns and provide strategic briefing materials to DoW leadership.
• Strong writing and presentation skills for government proposals and high-level briefings.
• Active security clearance is highly preferred and beneficial for this role.

Responsibilities

• Support full sales lifecycle across DoW and U.S. Navy, including lead generation and contract coordination.
• Lead and support large DoW RFI/RFP submissions and strategic campaigns with messaging materials and recurring briefings.
• Collaborate with internal mission operations, product, and engineering to scope DoD requirements and validate feasibility.
• Serve as primary contact for industry partners and DoD clients, ensuring smooth transition from sales to mission execution.
• Gather agency feedback and budget trends to inform leadership on sales strategy.
• Represent Saildrone in government relations engagements on Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and major defense conferences.

Skills

DoW/Navy experience

Proposal management

Government relations

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Budget process familiarity

Active security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

THE COMPANY

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.

Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.

THE POSITION

Saildrone is seeking a Manager, Defense Growth to join our Department of War (DoW) Business Development team. Reporting directly to the Senior Director, DoW Business, you will play a critical role in supporting our highest-stakes sales and business development pursuits, driving major proposal execution, strategic campaign management, and customer and Congressional engagement. We are looking for a dynamic strategist who adapts quickly to willingly support time-bound, high-stakes requests and has a proven track record of effectively engaging with government officials and key industry partners.

THE TEAM

Saildrone’s Business Development team is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing government and commercial partnerships for Saildrone’s autonomous maritime capabilities. We work closely across the defense sector to deliver scalable ocean mapping, maritime domain awareness, and force projection solutions that power national security. Operating in close partnership with Product, Engineering, and Mission Operations teams, we translate complex DoW and Navy requirements into successful missions that perform in demanding, real-world environments.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the full sales lifecycle across DoW and U.S. Navy, including lead generation, technical presentations, and contract coordination.
• Lead and support large, complex DoW RFI/RFP submissions and execute strategic campaigns, including developing messaging materials and delivering recurring briefings to key DoW stakeholders.
• Partner closely with Saildrone’s internal mission operations, product, and engineering teams to scope complex DoW requirements, ensuring the technical feasibility of proposed maritime missions.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key industry partners and DoW clients, ensuring a smooth transition from the sales and contracting phase to mission execution.
• Gather and report on agency feedback, federal budget trends, and competitor activities to assist leadership in refining government sales strategies.
• Support government relations engagements, representing Saildrone on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and at major defense industry conferences and events to build brand awareness and cultivate strategic networks.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 5+ years of relevant experience in defense business development, strategic pursuits, or government relations (scaled from Director level).
• Strong foundational knowledge of maritime security technologies, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance payloads, and autonomous marine systems.
• Experience working with DoW and the U.S. Navy, including an active professional network within those organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling government proposals and deliver engaging presentations to military and civilian leadership.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Working knowledge of the federal budget process and familiarity with relevant DoW and U.S. Navy programs.
• Active US Security Clearance is highly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is primarily performed on a computer and requires the ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time to client sites, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and industry events.

The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.

Salary Range

$113,878—$133,974 USD

To view Saildrone’s candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.

BENEFITS

At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.

• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
• Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.