The Business Development Manager - Defense will lead business development efforts across the Department of War (DOW) mission autonomy ecosystem, focusing on Army, USMC, and SOCOM portfolios. At Applied Intuition, you will shape requirements, influence procurement strategies, and build relationships with key stakeholders to accelerate adoption of advanced technologies in defense applications.
What You'll Do
- Lead business development strategy and execution across Army, USMC, and SOCOM portfolios, including programs of record, new starts, and rapid acquisition efforts
- Develop and implement capture strategies aligned with modernization priorities
- Build enduring relationships with acquisition executives, program managers, requirements developers, and technical leads within the DoD, as well as key OEM and integrator partners
- Shape requirements and influence procurement strategies to accelerate the adoption of autonomy, simulation, and software-defined vehicle technologies
- Track and assess market trends, threat evolution, and competitor activities across autonomy, digital C2, and lethality integration ecosystems
- Lead and support proposal and white paper development, including responses to CSOs, OTAs, BAAs, and JPEO/PEO-level solicitations
- Represent Applied Intuition at government and industry events to strengthen brand awareness and market position
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- 10+ years of experience in defense business development, capture management, or program leadership
- Deep familiarity with Army Futures Command (and the new Transformation and Training Command), PEO GCS, PEO CS&CSS, PEO Land Systems, and PEO SOF Warrior organizations, mission sets, and acquisition pathways
- Proven success capturing and executing DoD contracts within Army missions autonomy, or mission systems markets
- Strong network within Army, Marine Corps, and SOCOM program offices and associated OEM partners (e.g., GLDS, GM Defense, Oshkosh, AM General, Textron, BAE Systems)
- Knowledge of drive-by-wire systems, autonomy stacks, vehicle simulation, and modular payload architectures
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills
- Familiarity with CSO and OTA mechanisms, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) transitions, and other rapid procurement pathways
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
Nice to Have
- Prior military or government experience supporting Army ground combat, logistics, or SOF mobility programs
- Hands-on experience with vehicle prototyping, system integration, or autonomy software testing
- Understanding of software assurance, cyber survivability, and mission-autonomy integration in ground combat environments
- Familiarity with PEO Soldier and the U.S. Army’s small UAS programs
Technical Stack
- autonomy stacks
- vehicle simulation
- modular payload architectures
- drive-by-wire systems
- software-defined vehicle technologies
Team & Environment
We are an in-office company. We recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly.
Benefits & Compensation
- comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage
- 401k retirement benefits with employer match
- learning and wellness stipends
- paid time off
- Compensation: $175,000 USD to $225,000 USD annually, equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, base salary, equity, and benefits
Work Mode
Employees primarily work from their Applied Intuition office 5 days a week. Occasional remote work is permitted, including starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments. Locations include Sunnyvale, California; Washington, D.C.; San Diego; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo.
Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. The company abides by 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a), which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. The company takes affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without regard to these characteristics. The company also complies with Executive Order 13496 regarding employee rights under federal labor laws.
