Business Development Associate

Job Overview 

We are seeking a motivated Business Development Associate to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of our business by tapping into new opportunities, forging and maintaining strong partnerships, and expanding our presence within the DoD and related sectors. 

• Lead Generation and Prospecting: Identify and engage with key stakeholders and decision-makers across the Department of Defense and relevant agencies to boost awareness and create demand for our ASVs. Develop and execute comprehensive lead generation strategies to expand our client base and secure new business opportunities 
• Sales Support and Pipeline Development: Provide support to our sales team by enhancing our sales pipeline, managing opportunity tracking, and ensuring timely follow-up with prospects. Create compelling sales collateral, presentations, and promotional materials tailored to the defense and maritime sectors 
• Relationship Building and Networking: Identify, evaluate, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with new and existing clients, partners, and industry stakeholders. Represent our company at defense, maritime, and tech industry events, establishing a strong network and identifying potential business opportunities 
• Proposal Development and Contract Negotiation: Work Collaboratively with internal teams to craft compelling, customized proposals and presentations to meet the unique needs of our clients. Engage in contract negotiations, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals and in compliance with industry standards 
• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct in-depth market research to identify potential clients, assess competitors, and understand emerging market trends within the autonomous surface vessel industry. Leverage market insights to inform strategic decision-making and enhance our business development initiatives 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field. An MBA is preferred 
• Demonstrated experience in business development, sales, or a similar role, ideally within the defense, maritime, andtechnology sectors. 
• Strong understanding of autonomous systems, maritime technology, and defense acquisition processes 
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced startup environment 
• Willingness to travel to meet business objectives and client needs