Senior Business Development Director, DoD

Senior Business Development Director, DoDLocation: Remote, US. Preference for East Coast / Washington, D.C. area (approximately 30% travel supporting customer engagements, demonstrations, and industry events)Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearanceAbout NODANODA is a Veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space, with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors.Our Business Development team plays a critical role in shaping how autonomous systems are adopted across the defense enterprise, influencing requirements before they are written, shaping acquisition strategies before they are released, and accelerating the transition of next-generation autonomy capabilities from concept to operational deployment.Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration.The RoleWe are seeking a Senior Business Development Director to lead growth across the U.S. Department of Defense. This is not an account management role. This is a builder's role.You will identify emerging mission needs, establish trusted relationships across the defense enterprise, influence acquisition strategies, and lead opportunities from initial engagement through contract award. You will work directly with operators, acquisition professionals, Program Executive Offices, prime contractors, and industry partners to position NODA where our technology creates operational advantage.Success in this role requires initiative, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to operate independently in a fast-moving startup environment where priorities evolve quickly and opportunities are often created rather than assigned. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable discussing operational challenges with end users, technical integration with engineers, and acquisition strategy with senior government leaders.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute NODA's business development strategy across DoD components, Program Executive Offices, and adjacent mission organizationsBuild trusted relationships with operators, mission planners, acquisition professionals, contracting officers, laboratories, innovation organizations, prime contractors, and senior government stakeholdersIdentify, qualify, shape, and capture strategic opportunities from early customer engagement through proposal, negotiation, award, and transition to executionDevelop and maintain a healthy multi-quarter pipeline while delivering accurate forecasting, opportunity qualification, and disciplined CRM managementLead capture planning including customer engagement strategy, competitive assessments, solution shaping, teaming strategies, pricing support, win themes, proposal development, bid/no-bid recommendations, and executive gate reviewsInfluence future customer requirements through regular engagement with operators, mission planners, acquisition professionals, and program officesPartner closely with Engineering, Product, Mission Operations, Contracts, and Executive Leadership to align customer priorities with NODA's product roadmap and growth strategyNavigate FAR-based contracts, OTAs, CSOs, SBIR/STTR, IDIQs, DIU, AFWERX, DARPA, and other rapid acquisition mechanismsIdentify and cultivate strategic partnerships with prime contractors, systems integrators, emerging technology companies, academia, and mission partnersRepresent NODA at demonstrations, operational exercises, and industry events including NDIA, AUSA, AFA, Sea-Air-Space, and Modern Day MarineMonitor mission priorities, acquisition strategies, funding, competitive activity, and capability gaps to inform executive decision-makingDevelop executive briefings, capability presentations, white papers, and strategic communicationsRequired Qualifications8+ years of business development, capture management, military, government, or related DoD experienceDemonstrated success winning new business from customer engagement through contract awardStrong understanding of the DoD enterprise, acquisition organizations, budget cycles, and procurement processesExperience with FAR-based contracting and non-traditional acquisition pathways including OTAs, CSOs, SBIR/STTR, IDIQs, and rapid acquisition effortsTechnically fluent in autonomous systems, unmanned platforms, and AI-enabled software, with the ability to bridge operational requirements and engineering capabilities in customer conversationsEstablished relationships across DoD components, program offices, and defense innovation organizationsAbility to engage credibly in technical discussions involving autonomy, AI-enabled software, robotics, interoperability, and unmanned systemsExperience developing account strategies, capture plans, competitive positioning, and win strategiesBachelor's degree or equivalent combination of military, government, and industry experienceAbility to travel approximately 30%U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearancePreferred QualificationsPrior military service or extensive experience supporting DoD organizations across one or more services or combatant commandsExisting relationships across OSD, service acquisition executives, combatant commands, DARPA, DIU, AFWERX, NavalX, or other defense innovation organizationsExperience supporting autonomous systems, AI-enabled software, unmanned systems, ISR, C5ISR, robotics, mission autonomy, or adjacent defense technologiesExperience working within a venture-backed or high-growth defense technology companyExperience supporting demonstrations, experimentation campaigns, or technology transition effortsActive Top Secret or TS/SCI security clearanceMission-first mindset with a passion for delivering operational advantage to the warfighterBuilder mentality with the initiative to create opportunities and shape markets rather than wait for themTechnically curious, with the ability to translate complex autonomy and AI concepts into mission valueComfortable operating independently in ambiguous startup environments where priorities evolve quicklySkills & AttributesStrategic thinker who connects customer challenges with business growth and product strategyExceptional relationship builder with strong executive presence across government, industry, and the operator communityOutstanding communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skillsHighly organized with disciplined forecasting, pipeline management, and opportunity trackingCollaborative partner across Engineering, Product, Operations, Contracts, and Leadership Resilient, adaptable, accountable, and results-orientedBenefits & PerksOur culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:We offer premium medical, dental, and vision coverage with zero paycheck premiums for you and your family401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals + Company matchEquity grants for new hiresUnlimited PTO11 Paid holidaysExtremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.Generous Parental LeaveMilitary Leave for annual training or service requirementsFSADCFSAHSAProfessional Development OpportunitiesAccess to One MedicalMental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.Growth Path at NODA[ Insert Optional Growth Path ]Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.Equal Opportunity Statement NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment