- Robot type
- Marine and Space
- Location
- District of ColumbiaUSA
- Job type
- Commercial Operations
- Posted
- Aug 26, 2026
- Salary
- $150,000–$180,000 a year
Full-time
Manager, Defense Growth
Job description
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.
Saildrone is seeking a Manager, Defense Growth to join our Department of War (DoW) Business Development team.
Saildrone’s Business Development team is responsible for…
Job 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.
Job requirements
- 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.
- Work is primarily performed on a computer and requires the ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.