Firestorm is hiring a Manager of Strategic Partnerships who will align strategic initiatives with the company strategy and growth objectives, establishing a standardized framework to distinguish vendors from partners, categorize strategic relationships, and manage partnerships as a deliberate ecosystem.

You identify and document:

• Current active partners
• Partnerships in progress that we intend to formalize
• Companies we are actively pursuing as future partners

Your efforts will provide visibility into the current partnership landscape, highlighting capability gaps, and identifying opportunities for deeper collaboration across the organization to develop a scalable partnership ecosystem.

What You'll Do

• Expand our reach across industry and government by developing relationships with manufacturers and other key partners that will ensure the company's ability to scale as needs arise around the globe
• Manage large subcontract opportunities
• Research, investigate, develop and add new partners that will amplify Firestorm's product reach
• Develop relationships with OEMs that will continually strengthen Firestorm's product offering
• Build a scalable partnership database of former, current and future partners
• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with leading organizations supporting common interests that are beneficial to both parties
• Manage C-suite relationships and influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority
• Identify and vet new enterprise alliances, channel programs, and vendor networks that support mutual growth objectives
• Lead deal structuring, commercial terms, and contract finalization in coordination with legal and finance teams
• Collaborate with Sales, Product, and Marketing to launch integrated solutions, co-selling motions, and joint marketing campaigns
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate partnership ROI and operational health
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics or related field. In lieu of a degree, 9+ years of progressive related experience.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• 3+ years of experience in business development, strategic alliances/partnerships or partner management within tech, aerospace or defense industries
• Experience structuring, negotiating, and closing complex partnership agreements across diverse partner types
• Project management experience managing multiple initiatives simultaneously, coordinating across internal and external teams
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a startup environment
• Strong background in P&L structures, contract negotiation, and driving recurring revenue or pipeline growth
• PMP certification
• Experience with UAS platforms
• Masters degree in related field

Work Environment

• Position is working in a Hybrid capacity at our San Diego, CA. Headquarters
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Travel up to 20% to the various partnerships

Compensation

• Base salary: $120,000 - $140,000 base, commensurate with experience
• Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Equity grants for new hires
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July, & December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.