Scout AI Senior Manager of Business Development at Scout AI leads growth opportunities across defense autonomy programs and engages senior stakeholders. They drive capture campaigns and shape product requirements based on operator needs.
Responsibilities
We are seeking a Senior Manager of Business Development - NCR to support growth opportunities across the IC, OSW, Army, Air Force, Navy, and USMC autonomy programs. This role will be pivotal in expanding Scout AI’s multi-domain portfolio, shaping opportunities with DoW/IC stakeholders, and ensuring that our technology reaches the operators who need it most. The ideal candidate is a proven growth leader with a network and deep experience across UxS programs, Super Intelligence, defense acquisition, and the capture of complex unmanned systems programs.
We’re a startup. You’ll be moving fast, context-switching daily, and helping define the culture and process as we go. This is a rare opportunity to come in early and architect the future of defense.
Generate and capture new business opportunities. Lead efforts to identify, pursue, and secure new programs across the IC and DoW unmanned/autonomy portfolios. Build a deep understanding of the existing and prospective client base, programmatic roadmaps, and the competitive landscape
Engage senior stakeholders throughout the Pentagon. Establish and maintain trusted relationships with acquisition leaders, program managers, operators, and requirements owners across relevant offices and organizations
Grow existing programs. Partner with Scout’s engineering and product teams to expand current work, identify adjacent opportunities, and drive additional value for existing customers
Shape requirements and inform product development. Translate operator needs, mission gaps, and emerging concepts of operations into actionable direction for Scout’s product roadmap. Ensure customer insights directly influence priorities and execution
Lead capture campaigns. Drive the full lifecycle of business development efforts: pipeline development, positioning, proposal authoring, and closing contract awards
Represent Scout AI externally. Serve as an ambassador for Scout’s mission, articulating our competitive edge and value proposition to senior leaders, operators, industry partners, and the broader defense ecosystem
Qualification
Experience engaging with DRPMDeep understanding of UA drivenAbility to thrive in an entrepreneurialAbility to travel 25–40%Must be a U
Required
10+ years in a DoW service or related unmanned/autonomy systems roles applicable to defense, with a strong track record of shaping and capturing defense programs
Experience engaging with DRPM, DAWG and other agencies operation under the Drone Dominance Policy
Demonstrated success leading 0-to-1 program captures and transitioning prototypes into Programs of Record
Deep understanding of U.S. DoW acquisition pathways, PPBE process, requirements generation, government contracting, and budgeting, especially in the context of moving prototypes into full production
Established network across relevant program offices, program managers, and acquisition related organizations
Ability to translate complex operational needs into actionable product direction and build, adapt, and implement innovative approaches to market
A driven, hands-on leader who exhibits strong management skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire both internal teams and external stakeholders
Exceptional written and verbal skills with experience briefing senior defense leadership and building consensus across diverse audiences
Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, high-tempo setting and independently deliver results that move the mission forward
Ability to travel 25–40%
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
Passion about defense of the United States and its allies
