# Manager, Defense Growth at Saildrone

- Company: Saildrone
- What the company does: Saildrone is a maritime defense company that builds autonomous systems to give decision-makers and warfighters the enduring advantage to outpace adversaries. Backed by Lux.
- Company website: https://saildrone.com
- Type: Startups (AI role)
- Level: Senior
- Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Work setup: On-site
- Posted: 2026-08-26
- Apply by: 2026-10-10
- Apply: https://www.saildrone.com/careers/available-jobs?gh_jid=4382667009
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/saildrone-manager-defense-growth/

## About the role

Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates.

## What they're looking for

- Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 5+ years of relevant experience in defense business development, strategic pursuits, or government relations (scaled from Director level)
- Strong foundational knowledge of maritime security technologies, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance payloads, and autonomous marine systems
- Experience working with DoW and the U.S. Navy, including an active professional network within those organizations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling government proposals and deliver engaging presentations to military and civilian leadership
- Highly organized and self-motivated, with a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Working knowledge of the federal budget process and familiarity with relevant DoW and U.S. Navy programs

Tags: Business Development