Director, Business Development - Aerospace & Defense

Slip Robotics is a B2B Robotics-as-a-Service company deploying autonomous loading and unloading robots at warehouse and fulfillment sites across North America. Our customers include some of the largest shippers and 3PLs in the industry. We build the robots, we deploy them, and we keep them running — and we're scaling fast.

We are building a new segment dedicated to Government and Defense customers, and this role is the founding stone. As Director of Business Development, Government & Defense, you will be an individual contributor responsible for originating, developing, and closing opportunities across the Department of Defense, military branches, defense logistics commands, and federal civilian agencies. This is a hunter role built for a recently transitioned senior military officer who brings a deep network, mission-oriented drive, and a firsthand understanding of how defense organizations procure, budget, and deploy emerging technology. You will identify market opportunities, manage key relationships, and lead proposal development with a clear path to building and leading a team as the segment matures. You will report directly to the CRO and operate with high autonomy and executive visibility.

Responsibilities:

• Leverage an existing network across DoD branches, logistics commands, and defense agencies to generate a qualified pipeline of opportunities aligned to Slip Robotics' capabilities.
• Own the full capture strategy for key pursuits — from initial approach and stakeholder engagement through proposal development, contract negotiations, and close.
• Develop long-range account plans and strategic roadmaps (3–5 years) to align pipeline with segment revenue goals, and actively identify, qualify, and pursue opportunities in alignment with those goals.
• Represent Slip Robotics at conferences, networking events, and industry forums to increase market visibility and strengthen our brand within the defense and government logistics ecosystem.
• Write white papers, policy briefs, and strategic recommendations to influence stakeholders and advocate for the integration of Slip Robotics' capabilities into defense supply chain and logistics operations.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory shifts, and emerging technologies in the defense logistics and autonomous systems domains, keeping internal leadership informed and adjusting strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate with the CRO, product, and engineering teams to translate government customer requirements into feasible deployment scenarios, RaaS commercial structures, and contract vehicles.

Requirements

• Senior military officer background (O-5 or above preferred) with direct experience in logistics, supply chain, transportation, or base operations — ideally with exposure to materiel handling or depot-level operations.
• Deep understanding of U.S. Government acquisition processes including FAR, OTA, SBIR, CSO, and standard DoD contracting pathways.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant operations, acquisition, program management, or business development experience in the government and/or defense private sector.
• A demonstrated network of senior contacts across one or more military branches, combatant commands, or defense logistics agencies that can be immediately activated for outreach.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling white papers and briefings for senior government stakeholders.
• Ability to travel up to 40–50% domestically.
• U.S. Citizenship required; active or clearable security clearance strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in a business development, capture management, or government sales role at a defense technology company, or selling into DoD.
• Proven track record closing multi-year government contracts or OTA agreements.
• Familiarity with autonomous systems, robotics, or supply chain automation technology and the ability to credibly articulate ROI to logistics operators and procurement officers.
• Experience navigating GSA schedules, SAM.gov registrations, and government-specific RFP/RFI responses.
• Entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable building a segment from zero with limited internal support and a high tolerance for ambiguity.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Stock Option Plan

Slip Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate candidates on the merits of their experience and their fit for the role. We welcome applicants from every background.

Originally posted on Himalayas