Defense Ground - Business Development Lead

Defense Ground - Business Development Lead

Applied Intuition is the vehicle intelligence company that accelerates the global adoption of safe, AI-driven machines. Founded in 2017 and now valued at $15 billion following its recent Series F funding round, Applied Intuition delivers the Vehicle OS, Self-Driving System, and toolchain to help customers build intelligent vehicles and shorten time to market. 18 of the top 20 global automakers and major programs across the Department of Defense trust Applied Intuition's solutions to deliver vehicle intelligence. Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture industries and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Diego, CA, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Ann Arbor, MI, London, Stuttgart, Munich, Stockholm, Bangalore, Seoul, and Tokyo.

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished Business Development (BD) Lead to expand our engagements across the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) ground vehicle and autonomy ecosystem. This role will focus on programs within PEO Ground Combat Systems (GCS), PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support (CS&CSS), PEO Land Systems (USMC), and PEO SOF Warrior, with emphasis on unmanned and optionally manned ground vehicles, lethality and survivability systems, autonomy software, and vehicle retrofits.

The ideal candidate will combine technical fluency in autonomy and ground systems with deep knowledge of DoD acquisition, rapid prototyping pathways, and the evolving software-defined force.

At Applied Intuition, You Will:

• Lead business development strategy and execution across Army, USMC, and SOCOM ground portfolios, including programs of record, new starts, and rapid acquisition efforts.
• Develop and implement capture strategies aligned with modernization priorities.
• Build enduring relationships with acquisition executives, program managers, requirements developers, and technical leads within the DoD, as well as key OEM and integrator partners.
• Shape requirements and influence procurement strategies to accelerate the adoption of autonomy, simulation, and software-defined vehicle technologies.
• Track and assess market trends, threat evolution, and competitor activities across ground autonomy, digital C2, and lethality integration ecosystems.
• Lead and support proposal and white paper development, including responses to CSOs, OTAs, BAAs, and JPEO/PEO-level solicitations.
• Represent Applied Intuition at government and industry events to strengthen brand awareness and market position.

We're Looking For Someone Who Has:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in defense business development, capture management, or program leadership.
• Deep familiarity with Army Futures Command (and the new Transformation and Training Command), PEO GCS, PEO CS&CSS, PEO Land Systems, and PEO SOF Warrior organizations, mission sets, and acquisition pathways.
• Proven success capturing and executing DoD contracts within ground vehicle, autonomy, or mission systems markets.
• Strong network within Army, Marine Corps, and SOCOM program offices and associated OEM partners (e.g., GLDS, GM Defense, Oshkosh, AM General, Textron, BAE Systems).
• Knowledge of drive-by-wire systems, autonomy stacks, vehicle simulation, and modular payload architectures.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with CSO and OTA mechanisms, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) transitions, and other rapid procurement pathways.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Nice to Have:

• Prior military or government experience supporting Army ground combat, logistics, or SOF mobility programs.
• Hands-on experience with vehicle prototyping, system integration, or autonomy software testing.
• Understanding of software assurance, cyber survivability, and mission-autonomy integration in ground combat environments.
• Familiarity with PEO Soldier and the U.S. Army's small UAS programs.

Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment. Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position. Please reference the job posting subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the location listed is: $175,000 USD to $225,000 USD annually. Applicants will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exemptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable federal and state law. Applicants should be aware that for external-facing roles that involve close contact with Company employees or other third parties on the Company's premises, accommodations that involve remaining unvaccinated against COVID-19 may not be deemed reasonable. The Company will engage in the interactive process on an individualized basis taking into account the particular position.