Head of Business Development - Maritime

Company Overview: 

Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries – compact power systems that provide reliable, clean energy in frontier environments. By harnessing the heat from radioisotopes, Zeno's batteries power critical missions on Earth, in space, and at sea. To bring this technology to market by 2027, Zeno is seeking out purpose-driven and innovative professionals who are comfortable working in a startup environment. Team members will have a direct impact in enabling commercial and national security missions from the depths of our oceans, to the surface of the moon, and in austere environments here on Earth. Zeno is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Head of BD - Maritime

We are seeking a Head of BD - Maritime team member to support the company's growth in the maritime sector, with a focus on the U.S. Navy, Intelligence Community (IC), and commercial maritime markets. Reporting to the CEO, this individual will play a key role in identifying new opportunities, leading capture efforts, and driving strategic growth initiatives within the defense and commercial maritime sectors.

The ideal candidate has experience in maritime defense programs, government contracting, or business development and is eager to contribute to a fast-growing, high-impact team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge power solutions that will transform maritime and naval operations.

In this role you will:

• Lead the development and execution of business development strategies for the maritime sector, including the U.S. Navy, Intelligence Community, and commercial maritime markets.
• Identify and track new maritime business opportunities, including SBIRs, prototype contracts, OTAs, and programs of record, ensuring alignment with Zeno's growth objectives.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic positioning and proposal development.
• Lead in capture efforts, including stakeholder engagement, requirements shaping, and proposal coordination.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key government agencies (e.g., NAVSEA, ONR, DARPA), defense primes, commercial maritime entities, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead the proposal process, including writing content, coordinating inputs from technical teams, and ensuring alignment with Zeno's pricing and value proposition strategy.
• Represent Zeno Power at industry events, conferences, and customer engagements to strengthen market presence and build strategic relationships.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, supply chain, and regulatory teams to ensure alignment between customer needs and Zeno's product roadmap.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• 10+ years of experience in business development, government sales, or strategic partnerships in defense, aerospace, energy, or advanced technology sectors.
• Proven track record of transitioning prototype/R&D programs into full-scale production contracts (e.g., SBIR Phase III, Programs of Record, IDIQs).
• Deep understanding of DoD procurement cycles, budgeting, and contracting mechanisms.
• Experience working with defense primes, government agencies, and commercial customers to bring advanced technology to market.
• Strong technical acumen and ability to explain complex technologies to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.
• Must hold or be able to maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Prior experience working with relevant program offices (e.g., NAVSEA, ONR, DARPA)
• Familiarity with nuclear maritime operations, import/export regulations, and/or radioactive materials and radiation safety.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Washington, D.C. (Mt. Vernon/Chinatown) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays.
• Travel: Travel is required, 25%-50%
• Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 15 pounds
• Repetitive work: Prolonged
• Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for this position is $180,000-250,000. The final job level and compensation will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, years of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, and other business considerations.

In addition to competitive compensation, we also offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Stock options
• Flexible paid time off
• 401k plan with employer match
• 16 weeks of paid family leave
• ⁠11 observed company holidays
• Employer HSA contributions
• Life insurance
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Professional development 
• Employee recognition program
• ⁠Company-sponsored ClassPass benefit to support employee wellness
• ⁠Dog friendly office 

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Export Control

Applicants for employment at Zeno Power must be a U.S. person. The term “U.S. Person” means (i) a U.S citizen or U.S. national; or (ii) any natural person who is a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e., holds a Green Card), as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or as a “protected individual” defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., admitted as a refugee or is granted asylum). (