Business Development Executive Director (Hyperscaler Partnerships)

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium’s unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things. Our teams are passionate about providing a reliable lifeline to first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, lone workers, ships, aircraft, and remote operations worldwide. We foster an empowering and inclusive culture that encourages bold ideas and celebrates employees who make a global impact.

About the role

We are seeking an Executive Director, Hyperscaler & OEM Partnerships with deep experience operating within the Big Tech ecosystem. In this role, you will drive execution of Authentic’s OEM integration strategy across Google, Apple, Samsung, Qualcomm, AWS, Microsoft, and others, ensuring corporate objectives and growth milestones are achieved. Your focus will be to identify and advance Authentic solutions from POC to full production integration, replicate this model across partners, and shape how next-generation devices adopt satellite connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Identify and promote different use cases for partnership with hyperscalers and OEMs.
• Foster and develop a highly effective cross-functional engagement model between Iridium/Authentic leadership, engineering, product, and hyperscaler/OEM executive stakeholders to accelerate partnership outcomes.
• Lead end-to-end strategic relationships with Google (Android/Pixel), Apple, Samsung, and Qualcomm at VP/SVP and C-suite levels, serving as the primary executive interface, and promote integration of the Authentic solution in standard user devices.
• Direct use cases through POC validation, production scoping, commercial negotiation, and final contract execution.
• Inform decision-making on commercial frameworks including revenue share models, licensing structures, and SLA commitments to support scalable OEM adoption.
• Coordinate engineering, technical validation, and integration planning between partner engineering teams and Authentic's product and engineering groups.
• Develop strategic business cases that articulate OEM ecosystem value, presenting internally and directly to partner C-suite executives to drive alignment and sponsorship.
• Drive repeatable integration motions across OEMs, establishing processes, templates, and governance models for future hyperscaler and chipset partnerships.
• Inform product development and management efforts with insights and intelligence on pain points and market requirements.
• Ensure clear reporting of pipeline status, deal milestones, and risk assessments directly to the Authentic GM and Iridium senior leadership.
• Represent Authentic at industry events, executive summits, and partner briefings, serving as a senior ambassador for Iridium's satellite connectivity strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in the technology ecosystem and cybersecurity industry.
• Established high-level connections and networks within the target partner ecosystem (Google, Apple, Samsung, Qualcomm, AWS, Microsoft).
• Ability to interface with management teams at all levels, from senior to junior roles, both business and technical.
• Ability to understand and simplify complex and vague concepts, confidently drive executive discussions, make high-impact decisions, and respond to difficult or ambiguous situations.
• Ability to work independently and focus on achieving results.
• Previous management experience.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to hold yourself and others accountable for strategic outcomes.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to facilitate collaboration across multiple departments and external executive stakeholders.
• Skills to tackle complex challenges, including negotiating multi-party commercial and technical agreements.
• Proactively looks for growth opportunities to improve how partnerships and integrations are executed.
• U.S. citizenship required to comply with U.S. government contract requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working at Google, Apple, Samsung, or Qualcomm in a connectivity, hardware, or OEM partnership capacity.
• Familiarity with satellite and PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) solutions.
• Background supporting high-growth startup initiatives or internal venture teams.
• Technical fluency in modem architecture, APIs, or connectivity standards.

Schedule

• Hybrid work policy requiring at least 3 days per week in the office to foster collaboration.
• Up to 40% travel required.

Pay

Base pay range: $235,000 - $306,000 USD. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors. This range represents an estimate at the time of posting.

Benefits

• Company stock and annual bonus eligibility.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan options.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Other discounts and perks.