Head of Partnerships

Location Torrance, CA; Washington D.C. Employment Type Full time Department Business Development About Northwood Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you are energized by building at a high-velocity company and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood. Role Northwood Space is seeking a Head of Partnerships to lead the company’s strategic partnership efforts across international markets, new business areas, and emerging operating models. This person will identify, shape, and execute partnerships that expand Northwood’s global reach, unlock new paths to market, and help the company enter high-value opportunities with speed and leverage. This role is focused on building Northwood’s long‑term growth architecture through partnerships. The right candidate will bring strong business judgment, global commercial instincts, and the ability to work across technical, operational, and strategic dimensions. They will partner closely with leadership, business development, product, engineering, mission management, and legal teams to evaluate new markets, develop partnership strategies, and structure relationships that support durable growth. Responsibilities Lead Northwood’s partnership strategy across international markets, new business areas, and emerging operating models Identify, evaluate, and develop strategic partnerships that expand market access, support customer capture, enable new routes to revenue, or strengthen Northwood’s position in priority regions and sectors Structure and negotiate partnership frameworks across a range of counterparties, including large enterprises, telecom and network operators, local market partners, channel partners, and other strategic collaborators Partner closely with leadership, business development, product, engineering, mission management, and legal teams to assess new markets, shape entry strategies, and align partnership activity with company priorities Build and manage a global pipeline of partnership opportunities, from early market assessment and relationship development through execution and long‑term growth Help define how Northwood enters and scales in new markets by providing insight into regional dynamics, business models, regulatory considerations, and partnership‑driven growth strategies Basic Qualifications 7+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, market development, strategy, or related roles in aerospace, telecommunications, infrastructure, defense‑tech, or other complex technical industries Experience developing and executing strategic partnerships, market entry initiatives, or growth strategies across international markets, new business lines, or multi‑party commercial ecosystems Ability to travel frequently and work in‑person in Los Angeles or Washington, DC Preferred Qualifications Experience structuring partnerships with telecom providers, network operators, local market partners, large enterprises, or other channel and distribution stakeholders Experience supporting international expansion, including market access strategies, cross‑border commercial partnerships, or region‑specific growth initiatives Experience evaluating and building new business models, operating structures, or go‑to‑market approaches in an emerging company Experience negotiating complex strategic agreements involving shared delivery, channel relationships, infrastructure access, or multi‑party collaboration Experience at an early‑stage or high‑growth company operating in aerospace, communications, infrastructure, or other globally scaled technical markets Technical or analytical background in a relevant field such as engineering, economics, finance, or a related discipline Additional Information To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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 eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Northwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr