Business Development Manager - Special Operations (SOCOM)

Job Overview

Saronic Technologies is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead growth initiatives across the U.S. Special Operations community.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the business development strategy for USSOCOM and related Special Operations organizations.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders across USSOCOM, TSOCs, SOF Components, Program Executive Offices, Program Managers, operational units, and acquisition organizations.
• Identify, qualify, and mature new opportunities across autonomous maritime systems, unmanned surface vessels (USVs), maritime ISR, logistics, force protection, and expeditionary operations.
• Develop and manage a qualified pipeline from early customer engagement through capture, proposal, negotiation, and award.
• Influence customer requirements by maintaining regular engagement with operators, acquisition professionals, and mission planners.
• Lead capture planning, competitive assessments, win strategies, and customer engagement activities for priority pursuits.
• Partner with Engineering, Product Management, Government Affairs, and Program Management to align customer needs with Saronic’s product roadmap.
• Represent Saronic at SOF industry conferences, experimentation events, demonstrations, exercises, and customer engagements.
• Identify strategic partnerships with prime contractors, technology companies, and mission partners to strengthen competitive positioning.
• Monitor acquisition strategies, funding opportunities, congressional priorities, and emerging SOF capability gaps to inform business strategy.
• Support proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations for strategic opportunities.
• Maintain accurate opportunity forecasting, pipeline reporting, and CRM data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field.
• 8+ years of business development, capture, military, or government experience supporting the Department of Defense.
• Demonstrated success winning and capturing DoD opportunities from identification through contract award.
• Existing relationships across USSOCOM, SOF Components, Program Executive Offices, acquisition organizations, or the broader Special Operations enterprise.
• Strong understanding of DoD and SOF acquisition processes, OTA agreements, FAR-based contracting, SBIR/STTR programs, and rapid acquisition pathways.
• Knowledge of autonomous systems, unmanned maritime platforms, defense technology, or related capabilities.
• Excellent executive communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with minimal oversight.
• Willingness to travel approximately 40–60%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Former Special Operations military experience (e.g., SEAL, SWCC, MARSOC, Army Special Forces, Ranger Regiment, Air Force Special Warfare, or Coast Guard MSRT/MSST).
• Existing network across USSOCOM headquarters, SOF Components, TSOCs, PEO-SOF Warrior, SOFWERX, DIU, NavalX, DARPA, and other defense innovation organizations.
• Experience with autonomous systems, unmanned surface vessels, maritime operations, ISR, C5ISR, or AI-enabled defense technologies.
• Experience supporting demonstrations, exercises, experimentation campaigns, or operational user evaluations.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional standing and walking within the office.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care.
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays.
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents.
• Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline.
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office.