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 & CaptureDevelop 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 navigationShape early-stage requirements and influence program definitions through direct engagement with program offices and stakeholdersDrive system-level design wins with primes and integrators delivering autonomous platforms2. Customer Engagement & RelationshipsBuild and maintain senior-level relationships with PEOs, PMs, defense primes, government labsServe 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 briefings3. Contracts & Acquisition ExecutionLead responses to RFPs, BAAs, OTAs, and SBIR/STTR opportunitiesNavigate DoD acquisition and budgeting processes (POM, appropriations) to align strategy with upcoming funding awardsNegotiate and drive teaming agreements, strategic partnerships, and contract terms4. Market Development & Internal LeadershipDrive adoption of silicon photonics-based inertial navigation systems across defense and industrial (dual use) autonomous platformsDefine and execute go to market strategy in collaboration with product, engineering, and executive leadershipProvide market intelligence and competitive analysis to inform roadmap decisions and opportunity prioritizationQualifications:10-15+ years of experience in business development, program capture, government contracts and working defense agencies and primesHave or be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearanceProven track record of winning and managing U.S. government and defense contractsDeep 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, etcExperience in autonomy, robotics, navigation systems, or related defense technologiesFamiliarity with maritime (USV/UUV), aerial (UAS), or ground robotic systems (UGV)Experience with GPS-denied nav, inertial systems (IMUs, FOGs), or autonomousAdditional information:Applicants must be United States Citizens.