VP, Business Development&Federal Partnerships

About the Position

We are seeking a VP, Business Development & Federal Partnerships to lead and scale Sceye’s U.S. federal and state government business during a pivotal phase of company growth. This is a highly strategic, externally facing leadership role responsible for defining how persistent stratospheric platforms are adopted across defense, intelligence, civil, and state missions—and for leading the capture and execution of those opportunities.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this leader will shape market entry strategy, build enduring relationships with senior government stakeholders, and drive the successful conversion of opportunities into awarded programs. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of federal priorities, acquisition pathways, and emerging mission requirements, and thrives in environments where markets are still being defined.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and own the end-to-end federal and state government growth cycle—from mission shaping and customer engagement through prioritization, capture, proposal, award, and execution
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with program managers, acquisition officials, end users, and senior military, intelligence, and state leadership
• Expand government engagement to open new mission areas for HAPS adoption, including influencing legislation, policy, strategy, and acquisition guidance
• Translate federal and state customer needs into executable strategies and compelling HAPS concepts of operations
• Develop and execute capture strategies, including non-traditional acquisition pathways (e.g., OTAs, SBIR, rapid acquisition)
• Lead development of white papers, shape draft RFIs and RFPs, and oversee responses to RFIs and RFPs
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, flight operations, product, and finance teams to align customer demand with executable delivery plans
• Cook up and direct external consultants, aligning efforts to capture priorities and tracking congressional funding, authorization, and appropriations opportunities
• Represent Sceye at industry events, government briefings, and client meetings to promote our HAPS technology
• Stay informed on government funding programs, procurement processes, and compliance requirements
• Provide competitive intelligence on where Sceye’s persistent stratospheric capabilities offer decisive advantages over satellite, aircraft, and UAS alternatives

What We’re Looking For

• 8+ years of business development, capture, or program management experience with DoD and other U.S. government customers
• Demonstrated track record of personally leading captures from initial customer engagement through contract award
• Ability to engage substantively on sensor systems, communications architectures, and autonomous systems
• Deep understanding of federal acquisition processes, including non-traditional and emerging defense acquisition pathways and contracting vehicles
• Experience managing pipeline forecasting, bookings responsibility, and CRM discipline in a growth environment
• Comfort operating in a high-growth, ambiguity-tolerant environment where market categories are still forming
• Strong network with decision-makers across U.S. government agencies, U.S. states, and the broader aerospace and defense industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development and executive stakeholder engagement

What We Offer

• Chef-Prepared Lunches
• Snacks & Refreshments
• Wellness Perks
• Dog-Friendly Environment
• Comprehensive Health Coverage
• 401(k) with Match