# Head of Partnerships at Swan

- Company: Swan
- What the company does: Backed by Accel and a16z.
- Company website: https://www.swan.io/press
- Type: Startups
- Level: Principal and up
- Location: United States
- Work setup: On-site
- Posted: 2026-09-17
- Apply by: 2026-11-01
- Apply: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/swan/4c61536f-28d4-4d2f-bb26-d3b2588dacaf
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/swan-head-of-partnerships/

## About the role

Develop and execute a comprehensive partnership strategy across Swan’s priority markets: defense platforms first (airborne systems including UAS, missiles/munitions, and contested logistics; maritime USV platforms), with expanding efforts in commercial aviation and commercial shipping. Identify, engage, and secure partnerships with the full spectrum of platform OEMs, both new and established, across airborne and maritime platforms, prioritizing partners best positioned to field Swan’s technology at scale.

## What they're looking for

- Possesses 6+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or program management within the defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems industries
- Exhibits strong technical aptitude with the ability to grasp complex concepts in autonomy, robotics, and software, including areas like satellite navigation, computer vision, AI/ML, and distributed systems
- Is an exceptional negotiator with experience structuring technology and software deals to include licensing, data rights, and joint development, protecting core IP while enabling partner success
- Thinks like an owner, with an entrepreneurial mindset, hustle, and a bias for action. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment
- Spans strategy and execution. Thinks rigorously about which partnerships are worth building, then personally goes and makes them happen, neither purely strategic nor purely transactional
- Is an outstanding communicator and presenter, able to articulate a compelling vision and clear value proposition to both senior executive and deeply technical audiences

Tags: Growth