Manager, Strategic Partnerships (Defense)

TL;DR

Manager, Strategic Partnerships (Defense): Identifying and closing integration partnerships with air- and sea-domain robotic platform OEMs to integrate the Fury foundation model with an accent on deal structuring and ecosystem mapping. Focus on negotiating joint development agreements and licensing structures to enhance the lethality and intelligence of UAS and USV platforms.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA. Relocation assistance available (depending on role eligibility)

Salary: $160,000 – $190,000 USD

Company

Frontier AI lab developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model designed specifically for defense and autonomous power.

What you will do

• Identify, source, and close integration deals with air- and sea-domain robotic platform OEMs.
• Map the partner ecosystem and identify platforms currently contracted with the Department of War.
• Negotiate joint development agreements, teaming arrangements, and licensing structures.
• Build the OEM channel for air and sea platform RFPs.
• Translate the air- and sea-domain landscape into the product roadmap for Fury.
• Manage the transition of executed deals to the engineering team for operation.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or capture management within the defense or robotics industry.
• Deep knowledge of adopted UAS platforms and Department of War acquisition programs.
• Proven track record of structuring and executing complex partnership agreements.
• Understanding of autonomous systems, AI/ML, and UAS platform architectures.
• Willingness to travel 30-50% to customer sites and test events.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, business, or international relations.

Nice to have

• Prior military experience, specifically with joint SOF and UAS Aviation.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to build the first defense-specific robotic foundation model for U.S. and allied dominance.
• Meaningful equity and competitive compensation package.
• Premium medical, dental, and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution.
• Daily catered lunch and fully stocked kitchen.
• Unlimited AI tokens and EV charging.
• Competitive PTO and company holiday calendar.