Director, DoW Business Development
Chatsworth, CA (Remote) · 25-35% travel · $200K-250K (+/-) base + commission
ABOUT THE COMPANY
A well-funded, rapidly scaling AI-driven robotics manufacturing company backed by leading defense, aerospace, automotive, and technology investors. The company has developed proprietary technology and factories that produce finished large metal structural assemblies directly from digital design, without dies or molds. With fewer than 100 employees, the majority of its revenue comes from defense and national security programs, supporting missile systems, hypersonic platforms, airframes for manned and unmanned systems and more.
POSITION SUMMARY
This company is seeking a Director, DoW Business Development to identify and build relationships with technical and end-user champions across the military services in support of pilot programs and proof-of-concept or qualification awards, typically in the sub $10M range, backing the company’s journey towards program of record. This is a hands-on, individual-contributor role reporting to the Chief Business Officer, focused on direct engagement with DoW program offices, innovation organizations and combatant commands.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Attend industry days and engage directly with target service organizations to build relationships with technical champions who can sponsor pilot and qualification efforts for weapon systems
● Build and maintain a relationship network across multiple service branches, adapting as target organizations change
● Represent the company at engagements with target organizations, and occasionally at industry panels or forums
● Partner directly with internal engineering teams to write whitepapers and respond to solicitations for pilot- and qualification-stage opportunities
● Maintain working technical fluency in the company's manufacturing technology sufficient to represent it credibly and contribute substantively to proposal content
REQUIRED BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
● High energy and a hands-on approach to business development, with a genuine willingness to do the work personally rather than delegate it
● Working understanding of DoW acquisition and funding processes across more than one service branch
● Comfortable operating without a large support structure
● Strong written communication skills to contribute to whitepapers and proposals alongside engineering
● Active Secret DoD security clearance, or ability to obtain
● Ability to travel up to 25% annually
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field, or equivalent experience
● MBA or equivalent business background
● Military veteran
● Experience with -$10M technology contracts or R&D-stage pilot programs
● Existing relationships within target service organizations
COMPENSATION
$200,000-$250,000 base (+/-) plus commission, plus equity. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, comprehensive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision), PTO, and Stock Options.