Business Development Director- Defense & Government

Hydrograph USA INC•Austin, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

HydroGraph is a hyper-growth advanced materials company scaling pristine, high-performance graphene via its patented Hyperion detonation technology. With more than 70 active commercial projects, a growing global footprint, and industry-leading material quality (99.8% pure graphene), HydroGraph is building the next generation of engineered materials for coatings, composites, and energy storage. Our new Austin HQ will serve as the flagship center for innovation, applied R&D, customer engagement, and rapid material development. This role combines market strategy, sales leadership, and technical understanding to identify revenue opportunities, secure customers and partnerships, and expand HydroGraph's footprint in U.S. defense and government programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Business, or related field required; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred
10+ years proven experience in business development or strategic sales in advanced materials, chemicals, or industrial sectors
Demonstrated track record of revenue generation and market development with DoD agencies, defense labs, and prime contractors
Experience with technical sales involving materials science or nanotechnology applications
Strong technical comprehension of materials science and advanced manufacturing technologies
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to translate complex technical value propositions into commercial success
Ability to develop comprehensive sales plans and go-to-market strategies
Capability in identifying and evaluating market opportunities across diverse industries for new technologies
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
Self-motivated with ability to work independently
Good organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance
Experience operating in regulated, security-sensitive environments

Nice To Haves

Active Top Secret clearance
Experience with advanced materials, composites, nanomaterials, clean energy, or dual-use technologies
Prior military service or DoD civilian experience
Experience transitioning technologies from R&D into operational defense programs
Established network within the U.S. defense or government procurement ecosystem

Responsibilities

Supports VP of Business Development in Design and implementation of the defense and government business development strategy aligned with global corporate goals
Identify and evaluate new markets for graphene and nanomaterials tailored to defense and government industry needs
Build and maintain relationships with customers, distributors, research centres, and industry partners
Drive the complete sales cycle from lead generation and technical qualification to proposal development and closure
Work cross-functionally with R&D, product development, marketing, and manufacturing to deliver customer-aligned solutions
Track industry trends, competitor activity, and regulatory developments to inform strategic decisions
Represent HydroGraph at industry events, conferences, and trade shows
Lead strategic business development and sales activities across DoD agencies and federal partners
Develop and execute market entry strategies for new territories and applications
Build and manage high-value customer and partner relationships
Coordinate technical sales support and collaborate with internal teams to deliver solutions