Blue Water Autonomy Inc. · 5 hours ago
International Growth, Business Development
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$190K/yr - $210K/yr
15+ years expBlue Water Autonomy Inc. is an early-stage maritime defense technology startup focused on designing and building autonomous ships. The International Growth, Business Development role is a senior leadership position responsible for driving international sales and building a business development team to expand the company's presence with allied navies and defense organizations.
Machinery ManufacturingManufacturingMarine TransportationShipping
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
15+ years of experience in defense business development, capture, or international sales
Proven track record winning and executing international defense programs
Understanding of U.S. and allied defense acquisition systems and contracting models
Fluency in export controls, technology release, and international regulatory environments
Ability to operate independently in ambiguous, fast-moving startup environments
Clear and credible communication with senior military, government, and industry leaders
Comfortable selling complex, technical systems to operational customers
Ability to make sound judgments with incomplete information and adapt quickly
Hands-on when needed and thrive in a mission-driven, execution-focused culture
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
Preferred
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
Benefits
Startup equity options
Generous PTO
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Company
Blue Water Autonomy Inc.
We’re building autonomous ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial customers.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$64MKey Investors
Google VenturesEclipse Ventures
2025-08-26Series A· $50M
2025-04-11Seed· $14M
Leadership Team
Rylan Hamilton
CEO and Co-Founder
Ryan Maatta
VP Marine Engineering
Recent News
2025-11-03
2025-10-29
Company data provided by crunchbase