Maritime Systems Federal Account Executive – Manager​/Director

Join to apply for the Maritime Systems Federal Account Executive – Manager / Director role at Canopy Aerospace & Defense

Experience the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy A&D delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment, enabling faster, cooler, and quieter platforms.

• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly
• Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings and digital media
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to operate motor vehicles

To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) U.S. Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

The Federal Account Executive for Canopy is a leadership role who owns and expands Canopy’s relationships across the U.S. government (primarily the Department of Defense) and adjacent prime integrators. This person will shape new government programs, navigate the path from R&D to acquisition, and ensure that our advanced materials find their way into real-world defense systems. They will work closely with lab‑based researchers, acquisition officers, primes, and technical leads to align product development with federal priorities.

• Own an extreme passion for understanding our government partners’ missions across commercial and defense sectors, especially where next‑gen functional materials can 10× performance across maritime systems.
• Build and deepen relationships with key stakeholders representing maritime system development.
• Shape new funding opportunities with federal R&D stakeholders that align with Canopy’s roadmap.
• Partner with defense primes to align technical capabilities and support transition planning for emerging government needs.
• Lead and support proposal efforts as a prime contractor and teaming partner.
• Act as a technical advisor and market translator, collaborating with internal teams to guide prioritization and respond to evolving federal needs.
• Work with technical teams post‑award to ensure technical execution stays aligned with evolving mission priorities.
• Promote and advocate for Canopy’s products, services, and priorities to position the team as the most trusted next‑gen supplier.
• Maintain a high‑fidelity customer knowledge management system.

• Sincere excitement for the technologies Canopy develops and the problems we solve for our customers.
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering or science.
• 7+ years of experience in government engagement, advanced R&D, or business development within the maritime domain.
• Acquisition expert: clear understanding of how the government budgets, prioritizes, and contracts with industry.
• Technical enough to explain material performance, system integration risks, and manufacturing limitations.
• Energized by hard problems and long‑cycle revenue generation, with urgency to move programs forward.
• Experienced in writing and winning proposals, particularly within defense R&D and for subsystem‑level innovations.
• Previous success across the entire customer lifecycle in a B2B sales/business development function for hardware products or technical services.
• Distinguished performance leading negotiations with customers and closing deals.
• Expert‑level communication skills with extreme attention to detail across email, phone,…