Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics.
Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk
Location: Remote from Washington, DC Area & Northern Virginia, San Diego, or Remote, USA
Advanced Navigation | U.S. Defense
Advanced Navigation is seeking a Director, Business Development to lead strategic growth across the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps ecosystem. This is a high-impact, quota-carrying role focused on driving long-term revenue growth through the adoption of advanced Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) and inertial navigation solutions across maritime and autonomous platforms.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Business Development, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing a go-to-market strategy across key naval domains, including surface, subsurface, and autonomous systems. You will work cross-functionally with product, engineering, and executive leadership to position Advanced Navigation as the “right-to-win” partner for Tier 1 Primes, OEMs, and mission system integrators.
Your primary mission is to identify, capture, and scale strategic opportunities (18-month to 4-year horizon) by aligning customer requirements with Advanced Navigation’s differentiated technology portfolio. This role requires deep domain expertise, strong customer engagement, and the ability to translate complex technical capabilities into compelling value propositions that drive adoption and revenue.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Capture Leadership
- Lead the full sales lifecycle from opportunity identification through capture and contract award across Navy and Marine Corps programs
- Develop and execute forward-looking growth strategies targeting key maritime and autonomous platform segments (UUV, USV, maritime UAS, radar, stabilization, and targeting systems)
- Drive demand generation within Tier 1 Primes and OEMs, ensuring alignment to long-term programmatic opportunities
Strategic Market Engagement
- Build and maintain senior-level relationships across the Department of the Navy (OPNAV, HQMC, PEOs) and industry partners
- Shape future requirements, RFIs, and capability development documents (CDDs) through proactive engagement
- Conduct market segmentation and competitive analysis to prioritize high-growth opportunities
Customer & Technical Leadership
- Serve as a subject matter expert in maritime APNT, inertial navigation, and GNC ecosystems
- Translate complex technical capabilities into customer-centric solutions that differentiate Advanced Navigation in competitive pursuits
- Deliver executive-level presentations and influence key stakeholders across government and industry
Partnership & Ecosystem Development
- Establish and expand relationships with shipbuilders, aerospace primes, and mission systems integrators
- Identify and execute strategic partnerships that accelerate technology adoption and market penetration
Operational Excellence
- Maintain a robust multi-year pipeline within Salesforce, ensuring forecasting accuracy and business visibility
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Sales Operations to align customer needs with product roadmaps and go-to-market execution
Qualifications
YOU MUST HAVE
- 8–15 years of experience in defense business development, sales, or related roles
- Proven track record of driving revenue growth and capturing strategic defense programs
- Deep understanding of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps acquisition structures (NAVSEA, NAVAIR, MARCORSYSCOM)
- Strong technical foundation in APNT, inertial navigation systems (INS), and related sensor technologies
- Experience engaging Tier 1 Primes and OEMs in sub-component or system-level sales
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Science, or a related technical field
WE VALUE
- Executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders across government and industry
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate market insights into actionable growth strategies
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth, or entrepreneurial environments
- Ability to operate effectively across global, distributed teams and cultures
- High attention to detail, strong follow-through, and an ownership mindset
Additional Information
- Travel: Up to 50% domestic travel required
- Work Model: Flexible (remote with travel aligned to customer engagement)
