Partner Manager, Aerospace and Defense

Tulip Interfaces • Somerville, MA

5h • Hybrid

About The Position

Tulip, the leader in AI-native frontline operations, is helping companies around the world equip their workforce with composable, connected apps, leading to higher quality work, improved efficiency, and end-to-end traceability across operations. Tulip’s cloud-native, no-code platform, powered by embedded AI, is driving the digital transformation of industrial environments through composable, human-centric solutions that go beyond disrupting the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) category. A spinoff out of MIT, Tulip is headquartered in Somerville, MA, with offices in Germany, Hungary, Singapore, Japan, and Israel. Tulip has been recognized as a World Economic Forum Global Innovator, a 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast award winner, one of Energage’s Top Workplaces USA, and one of Built In Boston’s “Best Places to Work” and “Best Midsize Places to Work.” The ideal candidate is a SaaS hunter with a proven track record of exceeding quota and deep expertise in the Aerospace & Defense industry. They understand the unique challenges of A&D manufacturing—from stringent compliance requirements to complex supply chain dynamics—and can speak credibly with defense primes, Tier 1 suppliers, and MRO organizations alike. This role requires an entrepreneurial individual, comfortable building the playbook while executing it, thriving in mission-critical environments where precision, traceability, and security are paramount. The candidate must be able to present to C-suite executives at major defense contractors as effectively as they can collaborate with solutions architects on technical integrations.

Requirements

• 5-8+ years in Channel Sales, Partnerships/Alliances, or Business Development with a strong focus on Aerospace & Defense customers and partners
• Proven track record of quota attainment (100%+) in a channel or alliances sales capacity
• Deep understanding of A&D industry dynamics, including defense primes, Tier 1/2 suppliers, commercial aerospace OEMs, and MRO operations
• Familiarity with A&D compliance frameworks such as ITAR, DFARS, CMMC, AS9100, and NADCAP
• Experience with MES, ERP, PLM, or IIoT ecosystems in aerospace and defense manufacturing environments
• Experience in SaaS and/or digital transformation initiatives within regulated industries
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to manage multiple stakeholders across complex organizational structures
• Familiarity with Salesforce.com and sales tools (Outreach, ZoomInfo, LinkedIn Sales Navigator)
• U.S. Citizenship required due to nature of work with defense customers
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of FedRAMP and government cloud requirements preferred
• Existing relationships with A&D-focused system integrators, consultancies, and technology partners strongly preferred
• Ability to obtain security clearance a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire indirect sales process through Tulip's A&D ecosystem partners, including defense-focused system integrators, VAR partners, and strategic alliances
• Develop and execute comprehensive Go-to-Market plans with key partners targeting aerospace manufacturing, defense production, and MRO verticals—including joint value propositions aligned with A&D priorities (traceability, compliance, workforce enablement, quality)
• Support account executives and partners during co-selling motions with defense primes, commercial aerospace OEMs, and their supply chains—from prospecting to close, including accurate pipeline forecasting
• Enable partners to independently represent Tulip across the commercial cycle, ensuring they understand A&D-specific requirements (compliance, security, data sovereignty)
• Identify and recruit new partners to fill geographic, technical, or vertical gaps in the A&D ecosystem—including specialized defense consultancies and cleared technology providers
• Stay current on A&D industry trends, digital transformation initiatives (e.g., DoD modernization programs, Factory of the Future), and competitive landscape
• Leverage and collaborate with internal resources including Sales, Marketing, Sales Engineering, Product, Legal, and Customer teams to navigate complex A&D procurement cycles

Benefits

• Direct impact on product and culture
• Company equity
• Competitive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Commuter Benefits, Parental Leave, and 401(K)
• Flexible work schedule and unlimited vacation policy
• Learning & Development program
• Virtual company events and happy hours
• Fitness subsidies
• An inclusive, dog-friendly office with diverse and inspiring colleagues

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees