Head of Partnerships

Head of Partnerships - Remote | US - Defense Technology

A fast-growing US defense technology startup is looking for a Head of Partnerships to build and scale relationships across the defense and autonomous systems ecosystem.

The company builds autonomy technology that helps defense platforms navigate and operate effectively in challenging environments.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can identify the right partnerships, originate new relationships and develop them into long-term, revenue-generating programs. You’ll work directly with senior leadership and have significant ownership over the company’s partnership strategy and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the partnership strategy across priority defense markets
• Identify and build relationships with platform OEMs, neoprimes and established defense companies
• Own partnerships from initial engagement through pilots, integration and long-term commercial growth
• Build relationships with executives, program managers and technical stakeholders
• Develop opportunities across UAS, airborne and maritime platforms
• Negotiate commercial agreements, including licensing and joint development partnerships
• Build and manage a disciplined partnership pipeline
• Work closely with leadership and product teams on GTM strategy and market priorities
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences and consortia

Key Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in partnerships, business development or program management within defense, aerospace or autonomous systems
• Track record of building partnerships with OEMs, primes, UAS manufacturers or other defense technology companies
• Strong and current network across the US defense and autonomous systems ecosystem
• Experience taking partnerships from initial conversation through integration and revenue generation
• Technical understanding of autonomy, software, navigation, avionics, AI/ML or related technologies
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup environment with a hands-on approach
• Able to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution
• Strong commercial, negotiation and relationship-building skills
• US Secret clearance or eligibility to obtain one

This is an opportunity to take real ownership of partnerships within a growing defense technology company at an important stage of its development.

You’ll be joining a small, ambitious team where you can personally shape which partnerships the company pursues, build those relationships from the ground up and help turn them into meaningful long-term programs.