Business Development Leader

In 1914, Ernest Shackleton didn’t advertise for sailors with a checklist of skills.

He asked for people willing to take on a hazardous journey in brutal conditions, with no guarantee of success, for the chance to be part of something that mattered.

We are not hiring a generic business development executive.

We are looking for someone who wants to help build a category-defining company in contested logistics.

Flying Ship Technologies is developing autonomous wing-in-ground-effect vessels that move heavy payloads at aircraft-like speeds with ship-like economics. Our focus is defense, government, and select commercial markets where speed, cost, and operational flexibility are decisive.

If you want a comfortable role with predictable quarterly targets, this is not it.

If you want to shape real programs for the Army, Navy, SOCOM, and joint stakeholders, keep reading.

Who This Role Is For

You:

• Do what it takes to get the job done right and on time, without compromising integrity.

• Take ownership. No one has to chase you for follow-ups.

• Close loops and move opportunities forward.

• Support your teammates in front of customers and partners.

• Prefer clarity and accountability over politics.

• Are comfortable operating in ambiguity because the mission justifies it.

You do not wait for direction.

You identify opportunities and problems early and act on them.

Former military strongly preferred, especially recently commissioned or junior officers who understand how requirements evolve into funded programs. You understand how capability gaps are defined, how stakeholders think, and how trust is built inside government organizations.

The Mission

Convert interest into funded programs.

This includes:

• Identifying, shaping, and securing SBIRs, BAAs, OTAs, contracts, and strategic partnerships

• Engaging customers early, before requirements are finalized

• Owning and managing a qualified opportunity pipeline

• Supporting proposal strategy and execution

• Representing FST at industry days, exercises, demonstrations, and key meetings

• Working closely with engineering and leadership to align technical capability with market demand

This is not a role for someone who simply attends meetings and forwards emails.

It is for someone who builds pipeline, drives action, and takes responsibility for outcomes.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 6 to 12 months:

• A defined and prioritized pipeline aligned with strategic markets

• Multiple qualified pursuits underway

• At least one new funded pathway initiated

• Credible relationships established with key joint stakeholders

You become someone customers call early, not after decisions are made.

What We Value

Tenacity

You finish what you start. You protect the company’s integrity. You deliver on commitments.

Teamwork

You pitch in. You represent the team well in every interaction. You take responsibility when things get difficult.

Self-Leadership

You do not require constant oversight. You identify issues and opportunities and act decisively.

About Flying Ship Technologies

Flying Ships operate as marine vessels within existing maritime infrastructure while delivering dramatically improved speed and range compared to conventional options. We are building a capability that bridges aviation and maritime domains in ways that matter to defense and expeditionary operations.

This is a high-impact role inside an early-stage company.

Your performance will directly influence funding, partnerships, and company trajectory.

Compensation

Equity-based with performance incentives.

Targeted cash compensation tied to funding-critical wins.

If you are looking for a safe role, this is not it.

If you want to help build something meaningful and are prepared to earn that position, we should talk.