Senior Business Development Lead

Summary

Join SandboxAQ as a Senior Business Development Lead and spearhead the market entry and expansion of our groundbreaking magnetic navigation technology within the commercial and defense avionics sectors. Develop and execute strategic partnerships, secure high-value sales opportunities, and build strong relationships with key decision-makers. This high-impact leadership role requires extensive experience in business development and sales within the avionics or aerospace industry. You will conduct market research, develop compelling value propositions, and lead complex contract negotiations. The role offers significant growth potential and the chance to shape the future of navigation. SandboxAQ provides a collaborative environment and competitive compensation and benefits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in business development or sales within the avionics, aerospace, or related high-tech industry, with a demonstrable track record of exceeding ambitious sales targets and securing significant contracts
• Extensive experience selling complex technical solutions to both commercial and defense customers, with a deep understanding of their unique procurement processes and requirements
• Proven ability to build and manage C-level relationships and navigate complex organizational structures
• Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and persuade at all levels
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful business development strategies in competitive markets
• Must be eligible to obtain necessary security clearances, if required for defense-related work
• U.S. Citizenship is required due to USG contract requirements

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year business development strategy targeting key commercial and defense avionics customers, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, and government agencies
• Lead the identification, qualification, and cultivation of strategic relationships and high-value sales opportunities, managing complex sales cycles from initial engagement to contract negotiation and closure
• Establish and nurture deep, trusted advisor relationships with C-level executives and key decision-makers within target organizations
• Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging market trends, evolving customer needs, and potential disruptive opportunities
• Develop compelling value propositions, tailored presentations, and persuasive proposals that effectively articulate the unique benefits and competitive advantages of AQNav's technology to diverse technical and business audiences
• Lead complex contract negotiations and strategic partnership discussions, ensuring favorable terms, mutually beneficial outcomes, and alignment with AQNav's long-term business objectives
• Collaborate closely with internal cross-functional leadership (engineering, product, marketing, legal) to ensure seamless execution of sales and partnership agreements, driving successful product integration and customer satisfaction
• Represent AQNav as a thought leader at high-profile industry events, conferences, and trade shows, building brand recognition, expanding industry networks, and generating qualified leads
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sales pipeline growth, revenue generation, market share expansion, and customer acquisition cost, providing regular updates to executive leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Established network of high-level contacts within the commercial and defense avionics sectors
• Deep understanding of magnetic navigation, inertial navigation, or other related PNT technologies
• Experience with government contracting, FAR/DFARS regulations, and international trade compliance
• Familiarity with export control regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR)

Benefits

• The US base salary range for this full-time position is expected to be $248k - $332k per year
• Annual discretionary bonuses
• Equity
• Competitive salaries
• Stock options depending on employment type
• Generous learning opportunities
• Medical/dental/vision
• Family planning/fertility
• PTO (summer and winter breaks)
• Financial wellness resources
• 401(k) plans