Head of Business Development Maritime

Company Overview

Zeno Power's (Zeno) mission is to provide clean, plug-and-play power anywhere in the universe. To do that, Zeno is developing nuclear batteries that generates carbon-free, resilient power for decades, utilizing material found in nuclear waste. Zeno's technology is both light-weight and cost-effective compared to historic nuclear batteries, opening up broad market opportunities in space and terrestrially. To bring this breakthrough technology to market, 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,…