Senior Sales Manager, Maritime Autonomy & Government Affairs

RED CAT HOLDINGS•Valdosta, GA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Blue Ops is a rapidly growing leader in autonomous maritime systems and unmanned surface vessel (USV) manufacturing supporting U.S. defense, homeland security, and allied maritime operations. The company is focused on delivering next-generation autonomous maritime capabilities to government and commercial customers through innovative vessel platforms, autonomy integration, and mission-focused operational solutions. Blue Ops is seeking a highly qualified Senior Sales Manager to support strategic growth initiatives across the defense, maritime autonomy, and government sectors. This position is designed for a uniquely experienced professional with deep knowledge of unmanned maritime systems, U.S. Navy operations, defense stakeholder engagement, and federal government relations. The Senior Sales Manager will play a critical role in expanding Blue Ops’ strategic relationships within the Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, congressional defense community, autonomy industry ecosystem, and defense contractor network. This role requires an individual with exceptional credibility in maritime autonomy, defense operations, and government engagement who can help position Blue Ops as a leading provider of autonomous maritime capabilities supporting evolving national security requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a rare combination of: operational military leadership, maritime autonomy industry expertise, defense acquisition familiarity, government affairs experience, and established relationships within the Washington, D.C. defense and congressional community. The position will work closely with executive leadership and reports to the Senior Director of Sales to drive customer engagement, strategic partnerships, and long-term growth initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; United States Naval Academy graduate strongly preferred
7+ years of leadership experience within defense, maritime operations, autonomy systems, government affairs, naval intelligence, or related national security sectors
Demonstrated expertise in unmanned surface vessels (USVs), maritime autonomy systems, autonomous operations, or uncrewed maritime technologies strongly preferred
Proven experience supporting or engaging with Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, NAVCENT, Fifth Fleet, Naval innovation organizations, or defense operational commands
Strong understanding of defense acquisition processes, operational requirements development, and emerging maritime technology integration
Experience engaging with congressional offices, defense committees, federal agencies, or government affairs/lobbying activities highly preferred
Existing relationships within the maritime autonomy, naval operations, defense innovation, or Washington, D.C. national security community preferred
Demonstrated ability to engage senior military leaders, acquisition officials, congressional staff, and executive stakeholders
Active or recently held Top Secret / SCI security clearance strongly preferred
Excellent communication, presentation, and strategic relationship-building skills
Ability to travel nationally in support of customer engagement, demonstrations, and strategic industry events

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding of emerging maritime autonomy and unmanned systems operational concepts
Strong strategic thinking and customer engagement capabilities
Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced defense technology environment
Proven ability to work cross-functionally across technical, operational, and executive teams
Passion for national security innovation, maritime operations, and autonomous systems development

Responsibilities

Develop and expand strategic relationships within the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, Coast Guard, congressional defense committees, and maritime autonomy ecosystem
Support growth initiatives related to unmanned surface vessels (USVs), maritime autonomy systems, autonomous mission operations, and emerging naval technologies
Represent Blue Ops in high-level engagements with government stakeholders, defense primes, autonomy providers, and industry organizations
Assist in identifying and pursuing government, defense, and strategic partnership opportunities
Support capture strategy development and customer engagement efforts related to autonomy, maritime innovation, and national security initiatives
Serve as a liaison between Blue Ops and key stakeholders in defense innovation, acquisition, and maritime operational communities
Represent Blue Ops at congressional briefings, defense conferences, trade events, demonstrations, and industry working groups
Collaborate with internal engineering, operations, and executive teams to align customer requirements with operational capabilities and future product development
Provide strategic market intelligence related to defense priorities, maritime autonomy trends, and emerging operational requirements