Special Ops BD Builder & Growth Lead

NODA AI; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

11 paid holidays

Parental leave

Military leave

HSA

Professional development

Access to One Medical

Job summary

NODA AI is seeking a Business Development Manager for the U.S. Special Operations community, based in Austin with hybrid on-site work and ~30% travel.

You will identify mission needs, build trusted relationships, influence acquisition strategies, and lead opportunities from first engagement to contract award in a fast-moving startup environment. The role requires initiative, strong judgment, and the ability to operate with operators, engineers, and senior government leaders.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of business development, capture management, or related DoD/government experience.
• Proven success winning new business from engagement to contract award.
• Strong understanding of the Special Operations enterprise and procurement processes.
• Experience with FAR-based contracting and OA pathways (OTAs, CSOs, SBIR/STTR, IDIQs).
• Established relationships across the Special Operations enterprise.
• Ability to discuss autonomy/AI/ unmanned systems with technical and government stakeholders.
• Experience developing account strategies, capture plans, and win strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the business development strategy across SOF, PEOs, and mission organizations.
• Build trusted relationships with operators, acquisition professionals, and senior government stakeholders.
• Identify, qualify, shape, and capture opportunities from engagement through award and transition to execution.
• Maintain a healthy multi-quarter pipeline with accurate forecasting and CRM management.
• Lead capture planning including customer engagement strategy, competitive assessments, and proposals.
• Influence future requirements through regular engagement with operators and program offices.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Product, Contracts, and Leadership to align priorities with the roadmap.
• Navigate FAR-based contracts and rapid acquisition mechanisms.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with primes, systems integrators, and academia.
• Represent NODA at demonstrations, industry events, and missions.
• Monitor mission priorities and funding to inform executive decision-making.
• Develop executive briefings, white papers, and strategic communications.

Skills

BD strategy

Capture management

Govt engagement

Acquisition process

Relationship building

Proposal development

Strategic communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

NODA AI is seeking a Business Development Manager for the U.S. Special Operations community, based in Austin with hybrid on-site work and ~30% travel.

You will identify mission needs, build trusted relationships, influence acquisition strategies, and lead opportunities from first engagement to contract award in a fast-moving startup environment. The role requires initiative, strong judgment, and the ability to operate with operators, engineers, and senior government leaders.