Partnerships Lead – Defense AI for Unmanned Systems

Modernintelligence; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Modern Intelligence seeks a seasoned Partnerships Manager to build the go-to-market with unmanned vehicle manufacturers and primes, owning the partner pipeline from first call to signed deal. You will coordinate with deployments for field testing and drive licensing opportunities.

This on-site role in Austin (with remote work from the DC area until an office opens) demands 4+ years in defense/tech sales, ability to explain technical products to engineers, and a track record of CRM-driven

Qualifications

• 4+ years in sales, partnerships, or business development at a B2B, hardware, defense, dual-use, or deep- tech company.
• Built your own pipeline through outbound prospecting, not just inbound leads.
• Experience closing licensing agreements with hardware manufacturers, primes, or systems integrators.
• Experience selling into defense and understanding how DoD programs buy.
• Experience pitching a technical product to engineers in defense.
• Experience keeping a CRM up to date and reporting pipeline to executives.
• Fluency with AI tools for prospecting, note taking, researching, and drafting.
• Must be a U.S. person due to export-controlled technology.
• Existing relationships at U.S. unmanned vehicle manufacturers and related primes/integrators.
• Experience selling to international vendors.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify unmanned vehicle manufacturers and primes for Sovereign integrations.
• Negotiate and close licensing, teaming, or reseller agreements.
• Build and own the partner GTM strategy and pipeline from first call to signed deal.
• Coordinate with deployments for integration and field testing.
• Travel 25–33% for partner meetings, field tests, and industry events.

Skills

Sales experience

Outbound pipeline

Licensing deals

Defense market

Technical sales

CRM management

AI prospecting

US person requirement

Unmanned systems knowledge

Vendor relationships

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Modern Intelligence seeks a seasoned Partnerships Manager to build the go-to-market with unmanned vehicle manufacturers and primes, owning the partner pipeline from first call to signed deal. You will coordinate with deployments for field testing and drive licensing opportunities.

This on-site role in Austin (with remote work from the DC area until an office opens) demands 4+ years in defense/tech sales, ability to explain technical products to engineers, and a track record of CRM-driven