International Growth, Business Development
Blue Water Autonomy, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
International Growth, Business Development
We are an early-stage, maritime defense technology startup backed by top tier investors. Our team is designing and building autonomous and highly producible ships that can serve multiple missions on the open ocean.
The Role The role of
International Growth, Business Development
will support Blue Water Autonomy’s international growth efforts. This is a senior leadership role responsible for selling an existing product to allied customers, shaping international capture strategies, and building a small, high-impact international business development team over time.
You’ll work directly with company leadership, engineering, and growth to expand Blue Water’s footprint with allied navies and defense organizations. This role is based in
Washington, DC
, and requires regular international travel. U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data .
What You’ll Do
Define and execute Blue Water Autonomy’s international business development strategy
Own international pipeline development, capture plans, and revenue outcomes
Identify, shape, and win opportunities with allied navies, ministries of defense, and partner organizations
Lead senior-level customer engagements, technical discussions, and product demonstrations
Translate customer operational needs into compelling technical, commercial, and acquisition strategies
Drive international proposals, including RFIs, RFPs, white papers, and unsolicited concepts
Navigate export-controlled programs, including ITAR/EAR considerations and licensing pathways
Coordinate closely with U.S. DoD, State Department, embassies, and interagency stakeholders to enable international sales
Partner with engineering and programs to align product roadmap with international customer demand
Build and lead a lean international business development team as the business scales
Establish repeatable processes while maintaining startup speed and flexibility
Who You Are
Bring
15+ years of experience
in defense business development, capture, or international sales
Have a proven track record winning and executing international defense programs
Understand U.S. and allied defense acquisition systems and contracting models
Are fluent in export controls, technology release, and international regulatory environments
Can operate independently in ambiguous, fast-moving startup environments
Communicate clearly and credibly with senior military, government, and industry leaders
Are comfortable selling complex, technical systems to operational customers
Make sound judgments with incomplete information and adapt quickly
Are hands‑on when needed and thrive in a mission‑driven, execution‑focused culture
Are eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Nice To Haves
Prior military service or government experience
Experience with maritime systems, naval platforms, or autonomous systems
Experience building or scaling a new business development function
Existing international defense relationships that can be responsibly leveraged
Familiarity with foreign military sales (FMS)–adjacent or hybrid sales models
Active security clearance
What We Offer
Incredibly high‑caliber teammates. You’ll work directly with our co‑founders Rylan, Scott, and Austin.
A fast‑paced, creative working environment that offers a lot of room for ownership and growth.
O pportunity to join a meaningful mission that protects America and our Democracy.
Expected Salary Range: $190,000-$210,000 annual base salary. Final compensation will depend on experience and skill level
S tartup equity options
G enerous PTO, medical, dental, and vision coverage
We are an equal opportunity employer. All hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or transfer visas for applicants.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Role The role of
International Growth, Business Development
will support Blue Water Autonomy’s international growth efforts. This is a senior leadership role responsible for selling an existing product to allied customers, shaping international capture strategies, and building a small, high-impact international business development team over time.
You’ll work directly with company leadership, engineering, and growth to expand Blue Water’s footprint with allied navies and defense organizations. This role is based in
Washington, DC
, and requires regular international travel. U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data .
What You’ll Do
Define and execute Blue Water Autonomy’s international business development strategy
Own international pipeline development, capture plans, and revenue outcomes
Identify, shape, and win opportunities with allied navies, ministries of defense, and partner organizations
Lead senior-level customer engagements, technical discussions, and product demonstrations
Translate customer operational needs into compelling technical, commercial, and acquisition strategies
Drive international proposals, including RFIs, RFPs, white papers, and unsolicited concepts
Navigate export-controlled programs, including ITAR/EAR considerations and licensing pathways
Coordinate closely with U.S. DoD, State Department, embassies, and interagency stakeholders to enable international sales
Partner with engineering and programs to align product roadmap with international customer demand
Build and lead a lean international business development team as the business scales
Establish repeatable processes while maintaining startup speed and flexibility
Who You Are
Bring
15+ years of experience
in defense business development, capture, or international sales
Have a proven track record winning and executing international defense programs
Understand U.S. and allied defense acquisition systems and contracting models
Are fluent in export controls, technology release, and international regulatory environments
Can operate independently in ambiguous, fast-moving startup environments
Communicate clearly and credibly with senior military, government, and industry leaders
Are comfortable selling complex, technical systems to operational customers
Make sound judgments with incomplete information and adapt quickly
Are hands‑on when needed and thrive in a mission‑driven, execution‑focused culture
Are eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Nice To Haves
Prior military service or government experience
Experience with maritime systems, naval platforms, or autonomous systems
Experience building or scaling a new business development function
Existing international defense relationships that can be responsibly leveraged
Familiarity with foreign military sales (FMS)–adjacent or hybrid sales models
Active security clearance
What We Offer
Incredibly high‑caliber teammates. You’ll work directly with our co‑founders Rylan, Scott, and Austin.
A fast‑paced, creative working environment that offers a lot of room for ownership and growth.
O pportunity to join a meaningful mission that protects America and our Democracy.
Expected Salary Range: $190,000-$210,000 annual base salary. Final compensation will depend on experience and skill level
S tartup equity options
G enerous PTO, medical, dental, and vision coverage
We are an equal opportunity employer. All hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or transfer visas for applicants.
#J-18808-Ljbffr