Defense Growth & Strategic Partnerships Lead

About Machina Labs:

Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet.

Machina Labs is changing that. We build intelligent, software-defined factories that produce complex metal structures directly from digital design. By integrating advanced metal forming, robotics, and automated production inside a flexible factory architecture, we enable customers to move from prototype to production in weeks, not years.

Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we're building the manufacturing infrastructure that defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility programs will run on.

If you want to work on hard problems that matter and see them fly, drive, and defend, this is the place.

Job Description:

Machina Labs is seeking a Head of Business Development – Defense to scale our engagements and partnerships across advanced U.S. defense programs. This strategic, well-connected leader will advance our relationships with relevant Department of War (DoW) acquisition organizations and associated Primes, driving qualification and production programs for complex metal structural assemblies.

This role is focused on embedding Machina’s advanced manufacturing solutions into mission-critical weapon systems by building trusted relationships and partnerships with senior DoW and Prime decision-makers, Program Offices, innovation organizations, and government stakeholders.The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of introducing and scaling advanced manufacturing technologies within the defense acquisition ecosystem. This individual must command credibility with executive stakeholders and be comfortable driving long-cycle opportunities from early feasibility and prototyping through qualification and full-rate production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Machina’s defense business development strategy across missiles, hypersonics, UAV, and USV programs.
• Unlock partnerships for feasibility, qualification, LRIP, and full-rate production programs for structural assemblies.
• Target programs involving advanced strike systems and new platform development.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior executives, program managers, engineering leaders, manufacturing leads, and supply chain decision-makers at major Defense Primes, emerging defense companies and relevant DoW acquisition organizations.
• Understand and influence funding pathways tied to testing, qualification, and production ramp into Programs of Record.

• Drive education and positioning of Machina as trusted mission partner to the defense community through industry events and congressional briefings.
• Serve as a visible industry thought leader, participating in panels, roundtables, and defense innovation forums.
• Expand Machina’s influence and credibility within the national security ecosystem, helping shape how defense stakeholders think about AI-enabled manufacturing.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field.
• 10+ years of business development, capture, or program leadership experience within the defense ecosystem.
• Strong executive-level Prime and DoW relationships tied to relevant strike weapon platforms such as JASSM, LRASM, Tomahawk, CPS, HACM, LRHW, low-cost munitions or similar platforms.
• Current Active Secret DoD security clearance or ability to obtain and retain Top Secret Clearance within 365 days from submission.
• Must be able to travel up to 25% annually.
• Trusted operator with long-cycle strategic BD experience; more architect of growth than transactional sales leader.
• Comfortable operating as a senior individual contributor in a high-growth environment.

• Master’s degree in Engineering, MBA, Strategy, or related field .
• Professional Military Education (PME), DAU certification, or equivalent experience.
• Prior military or DoW civilian acquisition experience.
• Experience leading early-stage BD in a startup or dual-use advanced manufacturing company.
• Background in advanced manufacturing, structural assemblies, or complex metal fabrication.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

$250,000 - $320,000 a year

Actual compensation will bedeterminedbased on experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location.

This role may be filled in multiple locations, and compensation may vary depending on the candidate’s work location in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.

In addition to the provided base salary range, comprehensive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision), PTO, and Stock Options.

Machina Labs is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with state and federal law.

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