Sr Director Business Development - Defense/Government Programs (Autonomy & Navigation Systems)

About ANELLO:

ANELLO Photonics is a Silicon Valley-based technology company pioneering high-performance inertial navigation solutions using integrated silicon photonics. Our breakthrough optical gyroscope technology enables precise navigation in GPS-denied and contested environments, supporting next-generation autonomous systems across defense (Land, Air and Sea) and industrial markets.

Position Overview:

ANELLO is seeking a senior business development leader to drive U.S. government and Defense programs and strategic growth initiatives aligned with the rapid transition to autonomous and uncrewed systems. This role will lead engagements with DoD, defense primes, federal agencies and direct to customers to position ANELLO's navigation solutions as critical infrastructure for GPS-denied operations.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience navigating government acquisition processes, shaping requirements, and winning funding proposals and customer design wins-particularly in autonomy.

1. Government Strategy & Capture

Develop and execute U.S. government business development and capture strategy across DoD (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, SOCOM, DIU etc)

Identify, qualify, and lead capture of programs in autonomy, uncrewed systems (USV/UUV/UAS/UGV), and GPS denied precision navigation

Shape early-stage requirements and influence program definitions through direct engagement with program offices and stakeholders

Drive system-level design wins with primes and integrators delivering autonomous platforms

2. Customer Engagement & Relationships

Build and maintain senior-level relationships with PEOs, PMs, defense primes, government labs

Serve as a trusted advisor on navigation and autonomy technologies for GPS contested and denied environments.

Represent the company in classified and unclassified meetings, industry days, and technical briefings

3. Contracts & Acquisition Execution

Lead responses to RFPs, BAAs, OTAs, and SBIR/STTR opportunities

Navigate DoD acquisition and budgeting processes (POM, appropriations) to align strategy with upcoming funding awards

Negotiate and drive teaming agreements, strategic partnerships, and contract terms

4. Market Development & Internal Leadership

Drive adoption of silicon photonics-based inertial navigation systems across defense and industrial (dual use) autonomous platforms

Define and execute go to market strategy in collaboration with product, engineering, and executive leadership

Provide market intelligence and competitive analysis to inform roadmap decisions and opportunity prioritization

Qualifications:

10-15+ years of experience in business development, program capture, government contracts and working defense agencies and primes

Have or be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Proven track record of winning and managing U.S. government and defense contracts

Deep understanding of gov acquisition processes (FAR/DFARS, OTAs, SBIRs, etc.)

Strong network across defense agencies and prime contractors as well as experience engaging with organizations such as DIU, DARPA, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, etc

Experience in autonomy, robotics, navigation systems, or related defense technologies

Familiarity with maritime (USV/UUV), aerial (UAS), or ground robotic systems (UGV)

Experience with GPS-denied nav, inertial systems (IMUs, FOGs), or autonomous

Additional information:

Applicants must be United States Citizens.