DEFENSE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD - EL SEGUNDO, CA Skyryse is seeking an execution-driven Defense Business Development Lead to support our defense commercialization efforts. This is a utility role for a high-horsepower operator who can move fluidly across research, strategy, stakeholder mapping, and execution.
The role operates at the intersection of government relations, acquisition strategy, product positioning, and market creation. Core responsibilities include mapping the defense landscape, identifying decision-makers and budget pathways, and developing the insights that inform how Skyryse engages the defense community.
This is a full-time onsite opportunity based out of El Segundo.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Build and maintain a detailed power map of decision-makers, budget owners, program offices, and influence centers across DoW and Congress.
- Conduct landscape analysis and data mining across the defense ecosystem to identify programs, funding pathways, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities.
- Support the development and execution of Skyryse's defense commercialization strategy across DoW and related agencies.
- Develop and manage a stakeholder network spanning Professional Staff Members, acquisition officials, program leaders, and warfighter end users.
- Produce briefing materials, stakeholder dossiers, market analyses, and strategic memos that inform executive decision-making.
- Track competitor activity, industry trends, and acquisition signals to sharpen positioning and uncover opportunities.
- Support coordinated efforts across government relations, advisory board development, lobbying partners, PR, and competitive positioning.
- Partner with Product, Engineering, and Leadership to align messaging and positioning with defense and commercial needs.
- Drive early program adoption through pilots, prototypes, and competitive evaluations.
- Take on ad hoc strategic projects to support executive priorities as the company scales.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- 4+ years of experience across military service (Army, Marine Corps, or other branches), management consulting, banking, the Intelligence Community, defense strategy, corporate strategy, or comparable analytical or operational environments.
- Proven track record building network maps, pitching materials, landscape analysis, building business cases, and data mining complex ecosystems to surface relationships, decision pathways, and opportunities.
- Strong research skills with the ability to turn sprawling, ambiguous problems into clear, structured answers.
- High intellectual horsepower and curiosity, with a demonstrated ability to learn new technical domains quickly.
- Genuine interest in aviation, aerospace, and autonomy; prior domain experience not required.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Background in the U.S. Intelligence Community, particularly in roles involving network analysis, target development, or all-source landscape assessment.
- Familiarity with how warfighter requirements become programs of record (e.g., JCIDS, requirements generation, PPBE budget cycles).
- Familiarity with DoW acquisition processes, budget cycles, or government funding pathways.
- Exposure to defense technology, dual-use technology, or high-growth startup environments.
- Experience supporting government relations or lobbying efforts.
- Interest in or exposure to crewed, unmanned, or autonomous aviation systems and how they are evaluated and funded across DoW acquisition pathways.
WHY SKYRYSE?- The opportunity to change the world through improving aviation safety and accessibility
- Compensation Range: $120,000 - $150,000
- Valuable stock option plan
- Heavily subsidized medical, dental and vision plans
- Full-time employees are eligible for 20 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 sick days annually. PTO and sick days must be used in accordance with Company policy.
- A company with an ambitious vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, motivated, and fun to work-with colleagues!
