Strategic Partnerships Lead

Job overview

The Strategic Partnerships Lead role has two listed arrangements: onsite in Austin, TX, or hybrid in the Washington, DC area, with remote flexibility while the DC office is being established. Compensation is a $150,000–$200,000 annual base salary, plus uncapped commission opportunities and company equity. The role supports a confidential defense technology company advancing artificial intelligence and autonomous systems for mission-critical applications. As the company’s first dedicated partnerships leader, this role builds relationships and owns the partnership lifecycle with defense manufacturers, prime contractors, and systems integrators. It develops and closes agreements, coordinates product integrations with technical teams, and reports pipeline performance to leadership. The position includes approximately 25–33% travel.

What you'll do

• Build strategic partnerships with defense manufacturers, prime contractors, and systems integrators
• prospect and develop relationships with unmanned air, ground, and maritime systems manufacturers
• manage the partnership pipeline from outreach through negotiation and closing
• structure and negotiate licensing, teaming, joint development, and reseller agreements
• present AI and software capabilities
• coordinate integrations, testing, and partner onboarding
• develop sales strategies
• maintain CRM records, forecast opportunities, and report pipeline performance
• represent the company at meetings, demonstrations, conferences, and events.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

strategic partnerships lead

defense technology

artificial intelligence

autonomous systems

austin tx

washington dc area

onsite or hybrid

$150k–$200k base

uncapped commission

company equity

25–33% travel

licensing agreements

u.s. citizenship required

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Company equity
• comprehensive medical coverage for employees and families
• dental and vision benefits
• flexible PTO
• federal holidays and the last two weeks of the year off
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• retirement plan.

Why this role

Requires U.S. citizenship, 4+ years of sales, partnerships, or business development experience, and 2+ years of defense industry sales experience. Approximately 25–33% travel.

About the employer

Orion Placement is hiring for this role. Industry: Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. Sector: 54.