Manager, Defense

THE COMPANY

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.

Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates.

Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.

Saildrone is seeking a Manager, Defense Growth to join our Department of War (DoW) Business Development team. Reporting directly to the Senior Director, DoW Business, you will play a critical role in supporting our highest-stakes sales and business development pursuits, driving major proposal execution, strategic campaign management, and customer and Congressional engagement. We are looking for a dynamic strategist who adapts quickly to willingly support time-bound, high-stakes requests and has a proven track record of effectively engaging with government officials and key industry partners.

Saildrone’s Business Development team is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing government and commercial partnerships for Saildrone’s autonomous maritime capabilities. We work closely across the defense sector to deliver scalable ocean mapping, maritime domain awareness, and force projection solutions that power national security. Operating in close partnership with Product, Engineering, and Mission Operations teams, we translate complex DoW and Navy requirements into successful missions that perform in demanding, real-world environments.

• Support the full sales lifecycle across DoW and U.S. Navy, including lead generation, technical presentations, and contract coordination.
• Lead and support large, complex DoW RFI/RFP submissions and execute strategic campaigns, including developing messaging materials and delivering recurring briefings to key DoW stakeholders.
• Partner closely with Saildrone’s internal mission operations, product, and engineering teams to scope complex DoW requirements, ensuring the technical feasibility of proposed maritime missions.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key industry partners and DoW clients, ensuring a smooth transition from the sales and contracting phase to mission execution.
• Gather and report on agency feedback, federal budget trends, and competitor activities to assist leadership in refining government sales strategies.
• Support government relations engagements, representing Saildrone on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and at major defense industry conferences and events to build brand awareness and cultivate strategic networks.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 5+ years of relevant experience in defense business development, strategic pursuits, or government relations (scaled from Director level).
• Strong foundational knowledge of maritime security technologies, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance payloads, and autonomous marine systems.
• Experience working with DoW and the U.S. Navy, including an active professional network within those organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling government proposals and deliver engaging presentations to military and civilian leadership.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Working knowledge of the federal budget process and familiarity with relevant DoW and U.S. Navy programs.
• Active US Security Clearance is highly preferred.

• Work is primarily performed on a computer and requires the ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
• A…