U.S. Defense Director of Business Development

Ocean Power Technologies Inc

4d•$140,000 - $160,000•Remote

About The Position

Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT) provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets. Our technologies support persistent maritime operations through autonomous platforms, offshore power generation, and maritime domain awareness systems. OPT’s solutions include the PowerBuoy® platform, which delivers reliable offshore power and communications for remote maritime operations; the WAM-V® unmanned surface vehicle platform; and Merrows™, an AI-capable maritime domain awareness integration system that enables distributed sensing across multiple platforms. OPT works closely with defense and security organizations to enable long-duration maritime sensing, autonomous operations, and resilient ocean infrastructure in contested and infrastructure-limited environments. The Company’s headquarters is in Monroe Township, New Jersey and with an additional office in Richmond, California. Ocean Power Technologies is seeking a mission-driven U.S. Defense Director of Business Development to expand the company’s presence across the U.S. Department of War. This role will help deliver autonomous maritime capabilities that support real-world defense missions including distributed sensing, maritime domain awareness, and expeditionary operations in contested environments. Candidates who thrive in fast-moving environments and want to help scale emerging maritime autonomy and sensing capabilities into operational defense programs will be particularly successful in this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, International Relations, or related field.
7–10 years of experience in U.S. government sales, defense business development, or capture management.
Demonstrated success selling technology or capability solutions into the U.S. Department of War.
Strong understanding of defense acquisition processes including rapid acquisition pathways and emerging technology transition mechanisms.
Experience engaging program offices, operational units, and acquisition organizations within the Department of War.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to travel as required to support customer engagement, demonstrations, and exercises.
U.S. Citizenship required due to the nature of government contracts.
Active or eligible for a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with autonomous systems, uncrewed platforms, robotics, or maritime technologies.
Prior experience supporting or working with U.S. Marine Corps or Naval Special Warfare organizations.
Existing relationships within relevant Department of War organizations.
Experience supporting demonstrations, operational experimentation, or technology transition activities.
Experience working with defense innovation organizations such as DIU, NavalX, AFWERX, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, or SOCOM innovation programs.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a sales strategy targeting the U.S. Department of Defense with emphasis on U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Naval Special Warfare, and related defense organizations.
Identify operational mission gaps and align OPT capabilities with customer needs in maritime domain awareness, persistent sensing, and autonomous maritime operations.
Build and maintain strong relationships with program offices, operational units, acquisition professionals, and defense innovation organizations.
Shape and develop new opportunities across SBIR programs, OTAs, rapid acquisition initiatives, and traditional acquisition pathways.
Lead opportunity capture and proposal development efforts in coordination with internal engineering, product, and leadership teams.
Represent OPT at demonstrations, operational exercises, industry events, and government briefings.
Support and coordinate field demonstrations, pilot programs, and operational evaluations with defense customers.
Work with operational users to identify opportunities for field experimentation, operational exercises, and rapid capability demonstrations.
Provide market intelligence and customer feedback to leadership on emerging defense mission needs, competitive landscape, and technology trends.
Help inform product development priorities based on direct interaction with operational users.
Contribute to the continued growth and scaling of OPT’s defense business.