VP, Business Development&Federal Partnerships

Job Description

Job Description

VP, Business Development & Federal Partnerships

Status : Full Time, Exempt
Location : Washington, DC
Reports To : CEO

Who Are We:

Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications, imaging and remote sensing infrastructure through stratospheric platforms.

Our solar-powered, lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) operate in the stratosphere, at an altitude regime between airborne and space-based systems (18 – 21km), delivering tactical and strategic long-duration, station-keeping capability over areas of interest. These platforms support a wide range of telecommunications, ISR, environmental monitoring, scientific, and national security payloads.

Our HAPS can be deployed in a matter of days, at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure solutions, and make use of existing ground data and connectivity infrastructures. This makes them an ideal solution for providing telecommunications connectivity, emergency solutions in the event of natural or other disasters, environmental and infrastructure monitoring, Earth observation and a range of defense applications.

We are establishing a persistent stratospheric layer that complements – and in certain missions disrupts – traditional airborne and space-based architectures.

Our customers & partners include some of the largest global telecommunications companies, infrastructure operators, scientific researchers, and civil and defense agencies. As we enter our next phase of growth, expanding our Federal and state government footprint is a strategic priority.

At Sceye, we aim high, and we are looking for a government growth leader ready to help define the role of persistent stratospheric platforms for Federal and state missions. We are looking for individuals who bring deep expertise, bold vision, creativity, problem solving, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

About the Position:

We are seeking a VP, Business Development & Federal Partnerships to lead and scale Sceye’s U.S. federal and state government business during a pivotal phase of company growth.

This is a highly strategic, externally facing leadership role responsible for defining how persistent stratospheric platforms are adopted across defense, intelligence, civil, and state missions—and for leading the capture and execution of those opportunities. Reporting directly to the CEO, this leader will shape market entry strategy, build enduring relationships with senior government stakeholders, and drive the successful conversion of opportunities into awarded programs.

The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of federal priorities, acquisition pathways, and emerging mission requirements, and thrives in environments where markets are still being defined. They are equally comfortable engaging senior government leaders, influencing policy and program direction, and leading capture efforts from early mission shaping through contract award.

This leader will own the full lifecycle of opportunity development and capture—from early customer engagement and opportunity identification through strategic positioning, proposal development, award, and execution. Success in this position requires both strategic vision and a proven ability to win competitive opportunities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

This is a unique opportunity to help establish a new layer of aerospace infrastructure and define its role in national security, communications, and environmental monitoring.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and own the end-to-end federal and state government growth cycle—from mission shaping and customer engagement through prioritization, capture, proposal, award, and execution
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with program managers, acquisition officials, end users, and senior military, intelligence, and state leadership
• Expand government engagement to open new mission areas for HAPS adoption, including influencing legislation, policy, strategy, and acquisition guidance
• Translate federal and state customer needs into executable strategies and compelling HAPS concepts of operations
• Develop and execute capture strategies, including non-traditional acquisition pathways (e.g., OTAs, SBIR, rapid acquisition)
• Lead development of white papers, shape draft RFIs and RFPs, and oversee responses to RFIs and RFPs
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, flight operations, product, and finance teams to align customer demand with executable delivery plans
• Coordinate and direct external consultants, aligning efforts to capture priorities and tracking congressional funding, authorization, and appropriations opportunities
• Represent Sceye at industry events, government briefings, and client meetings to promote our HAPS technology
• Stay informed on government funding programs, procurement processes, and compliance requirements
• Provide competitive intelligence on where Sceye’s persistent stratospheric capabilities offer decisive advantages over satellite, aircraft, and UAS alternatives
• Report directly to the CEO and provide strategic input to shape Sceye’s government growth strategy

What We’re Looking For:

• 8+ years of business development, capture, or program management experience with DoD and other U.S. government customers
• Demonstrated track record of personally leading captures from initial customer engagement through contract award
• Ability to engage substantively on sensor systems, communications architectures, and autonomous systems
• Deep understanding of federal acquisition processes, including non-traditional and emerging defense acquisition pathways and contracting vehicles
• Experience managing pipeline forecasting, bookings responsibility, and CRM discipline in a growth environment
• Comfort operating in a high-growth, ambiguity-tolerant environment where market categories are still forming
• Strong network with decision-makers across U.S. government agencies, U.S. states, and the broader aerospace and defense industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and executive stakeholder engagement
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS//SCI U.S. security clearance
• Willingness to travel up to 30%, including to Sceye’s operations base in New Mexico

Preferred:

• Active security clearance
• Experience positioning disruptive technologies against incumbent solutions within an aerospace or defense startup
• Experience managing external consultants, lobbyists, or teaming partners
• Business, engineering, or other relevant technical degree

What We Offer:

At Sceye, we’re building more than high-altitude platforms—we’re building a workplace where people (and their pups) thrive. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:

• Chef-Prepared Lunches – Fresh, onsite meals to keep you fueled and focused.
• Snacks & Refreshments – Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks available throughout the day.
• Wellness Perks – Access to a gym, pickleball court, and an outdoor dog kennel.
• Dog-Friendly Environment – Bring your four-legged friends to work and enjoy a pet-welcoming space.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, with over 82% of premiums covered—and 100% for everything else.
• 401(k) with Match – Company contributions that are yours from day one.
• High-Performance Culture – Join a collaborative, inclusive environment where your work helps shape the future of aerospace.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Sceye is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who bring unique perspectives and experiences that can help us grow and innovate. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us—we’re happy to assist.