International Growth,Business Development
About The Position
The role of International Growth, Business Development will support Blue Water Autonomy’s international growth efforts. This is a senior leadership role responsible for selling an existing product to allied customers, shaping international capture strategies, and building a small, high-impact international business development team over time. You’ll work directly with company leadership, engineering, and growth to expand Blue Water’s footprint with allied navies and defense organizations. This role is based in Washington, DC, and requires regular international travel.
Requirements
- Bring 15+ years of experience in defense business development, capture, or international sales
- Have a proven track record winning and executing international defense programs
- Understand U.S. and allied defense acquisition systems and contracting models
- Are fluent in export controls, technology release, and international regulatory environments
- Can operate independently in ambiguous, fast-moving startup environments
- Communicate clearly and credibly with senior military, government, and industry leaders
- Are comfortable selling complex, technical systems to operational customers
- Make sound judgments with incomplete information and adapt quickly
- Are hands-on when needed and thrive in a mission-driven, execution-focused culture
- Are eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Nice To Haves
- Prior military service or government experience
- Experience with maritime systems, naval platforms, or autonomous systems
- Experience building or scaling a new business development function
- Existing international defense relationships that can be responsibly leveraged
- Familiarity with foreign military sales (FMS)–adjacent or hybrid sales models
- Active security clearance
Responsibilities
- Define and execute Blue Water Autonomy’s international business development strategy
- Own international pipeline development, capture plans, and revenue outcomes
- Identify, shape, and win opportunities with allied navies, ministries of defense, and partner organizations
- Lead senior-level customer engagements, technical discussions, and product demonstrations
- Translate customer operational needs into compelling technical, commercial, and acquisition strategies
- Drive international proposals, including RFIs, RFPs, white papers, and unsolicited concepts
- Navigate export-controlled programs, including ITAR/EAR considerations and licensing pathways
- Coordinate closely with U.S. DoD, State Department, embassies, and interagency stakeholders to enable international sales
- Partner with engineering and programs to align product roadmap with international customer demand
- Build and lead a lean international business development team as the business scales
- Establish repeatable processes while maintaining startup speed and flexibility
Benefits
- Incredibly high-caliber teammates. You’ll work directly with our co-founders Rylan, Scott, and Austin.
- A fast-paced, creative working environment that offers a lot of room for ownership and growth.
- Opportunity to join a meaningful mission that protects American and our Democracy.
- Expected Salary Range: $190,000-$210,000 annual base salary. Final compensation will depend on experience and skill level
- Startup equity options
- Generous PTO, medical, dental, and vision coverage
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
