Business Development Lead, US Defense UAS

About the role

This hands‑on, field‑based Business Development Lead will bridge Smart Flight™ with defense UAV operators across the United States. You will travel, meet operators, run demos, and feed real‑world feedback directly into product development.

Key responsibilities

• Build a market map from scratch, identifying target organizations, programs, and key individuals (50+ orgs, 100+ contacts).
• Run discovery conversations and structured product evaluations, demonstrating Smart Flight™ in real mission planning scenarios.
• Capture learning in after‑action reports, tracking every interaction and flagging recurring pain points.
• Represent Shearwater at defense UAS events, ranges, and exercises, establishing trusted relationships with operators.

Required profile

• Credibility with UAS operators – either flight experience (military or civil) or years of selling/supporting comparable products.
• Existing network in the US defense UAS community and day‑one fluency with industry acronyms and contacts.
• Demonstrated self‑directed outreach, disciplined follow‑up, and meticulous contact tracking.

Required skills

• Mission Planner (ground control software)
• QGroundControl (QGC)
• UgCS (Universal Ground Control Software)

What we offer

• Base salary $130,000–$170,000 per year.
• Early‑stage equity and commission on closed business (2–5%).
• Full coverage of travel expenses.
• Potential 3–6 month contract‑to‑hire leading to a permanent role.