Business Development – Critical Industries

About the role

Rainmaker is seeking a Director of Industrial Partnerships to drive commercial adoption of precipitation‑enhancement services for mining, oil & gas, hydroelectric power and other water‑intensive industries across the Western United States and other water‑stressed regions.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and qualify prospects in mining, oil & gas, hydroelectric and large‑scale industrial sectors impacted by water availability.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of partnership opportunities from outreach through contract execution.
• Design commercial deal structures, including outcome‑based pricing tied to precipitation or basin yield.
• Engage industrial operators, utilities and large‑scale water users as customers and co‑investors.
• Coordinate with Government Affairs to pursue public‑private partnership opportunities.
• Build coalitions of operators, utilities and water districts for multi‑party funding structures.
• Partner with industry associations and ESG stakeholders to raise awareness of cloud‑seeding as a water‑security tool.
• Organize site visits, demonstrations and technical briefings for prospective partners.

Required profile

• 5+ years of commercial business development or partnership development experience serving mining, oil & gas, power generation or large‑scale industrial customers.
• Proven track record of sourcing, structuring and closing complex B2B or B2G deals.
• Strong understanding of how water and precipitation drive industrial operations and related regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with Western water economics, water rights and basin hydrology is strongly preferred.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional startup environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees in business, economics, engineering, water resources or related fields are a plus.
• Willingness to travel ~50% to industrial sites, headquarters and conferences.

Required skills

• Experience structuring outcome‑based pricing and cost‑sharing arrangements.
• Ability to design consortium funding models.
• Knowledge of water‑resource management institutions (districts, conservancies, state engineers).

What we offer

• Meaningful stock options as an early team member.
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance for you and your family.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Unlimited PTO plus a generous paid holiday schedule.
• Paid parental leave for both parents.
• Daily lunch provided at the El Segundo headquarters.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.