Senior Sales Manager, Maritime Autonomy & Government Affairs

Position Summary

Blue Ops is a rapidly growing leader in autonomous maritime systems and unmanned surface vessel (USV) manufacturing supporting U.S. defense, homeland security, and allied maritime operations. The company focuses on delivering next‑generation autonomous maritime capabilities to government and commercial customers through innovative vessel platforms, autonomy integration, and mission‑focused operational solutions.

• Operational military leadership
• Maritime autonomy industry expertise
• Defense acquisition familiarity
• Government affairs experience
• Established relationships within the Washington, D.C. defense and congressional community

• Develop and expand strategic relationships within the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, Coast Guard, congressional defense committees, and maritime autonomy ecosystem.
• Support growth initiatives related to unmanned surface vessels (USVs), maritime autonomy systems, autonomous mission operations, and emerging naval technologies.
• Represent Blue Ops in high‑level engagements with government stakeholders, defense primes, autonomy providers, and industry organizations.
• Assist in identifying and pursuing government, defense, and strategic partnership opportunities.
• Support capture strategy development and customer engagement efforts related to autonomy, maritime innovation, and national security initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between Blue Ops and key stakeholders in defense innovation, acquisition, and maritime operational communities.
• Represent Blue Ops at congressional briefings, defense conferences, trade events, demonstrations, and industry working groups.
• Collaborate with internal engineering, operations, and executive teams to align customer requirements with operational capabilities and future product development.
• Provide strategic market intelligence related to defense priorities, maritime autonomy trends, and emerging operational requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  United States Naval Academy graduate strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of leadership experience within defense, maritime operations, autonomy systems, government affairs, naval intelligence, or related national security sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in unmanned surface vessels (USVs), maritime autonomy systems, autonomous operations, or uncrewed maritime technologies strongly preferred.
• Proven experience supporting or engaging with Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, NAVCENT, Fifth Fleet, Naval innovation organizations, or defense operational commands.
• Strong understanding of defense acquisition processes, operational requirements development, and emerging maritime technology integration.
• Experience engaging with congressional offices, defense committees, federal agencies, or government affairs/lobbying activities highly preferred.
• Existing relationships within the maritime autonomy, naval operations, defense innovation, or Washington, D.C. national security community preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to engage senior military leaders, acquisition officials, congressional staff, and executive stakeholders.
• Active or recently held Top Secret / SCI security clearance strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and strategic relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to travel nationally in support of customer engagement, demonstrations, and strategic industry events.

• Deep understanding of emerging maritime autonomy and unmanned systems operational concepts.
• Strong strategic thinking and customer engagement capabilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced defense technology environment.
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally across technical, operational, and executive teams.
• Passion for national security innovation, maritime operations, and autonomous systems development.

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment…