Mission Development Lead

To support our growth strategy in the defense sector, we are seeking a Mission Development Lead to strengthen our partnerships within the U.S. Marine Corps and broader Department of Defense ecosystem. This role is critical to driving business growth in the dynamic and rapidly evolving market of autonomous robotic systems. The Mission Development Lead will serve as the primary interface between the company and USMC stakeholders, ensuring mission success, customer satisfaction, and alignment of company capabilities with Marine Corps operational needs.

In this position, you will play a pivotal role in expanding our footprint across USMC programs by identifying opportunities, shaping requirements, managing key relationships, and supporting the delivery of cutting-edge autonomous systems. You will work closely with technical, business development, and program teams to ensure that customer objectives are met — on time, within scope, and to the highest standard.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for U.S. Marine Corps customers and related DoD stakeholders.
• Develop and execute account strategies that align with Marine Corps modernization priorities and our corporate growth objectives.
• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities within existing and emerging USMC programs of record.
• Partner with internal teams to align customer requirements with technical capabilities, ensuring effective translation of mission needs into actionable solutions.
• Support the preparation of proposals, responses to RFIs/RFPs, and capture activities to position the company competitively in the defense marketplace.
• Monitor ongoing program performance, ensuring customer satisfaction, contract compliance, and proactive resolution of issues.
• Collaborate with engineering, integration, manufacturing, and operations teams to coordinate demonstrations, field trials, and system deliveries.
• Maintain awareness of USMC organizational structure, acquisition processes, and strategic initiatives to anticipate future needs.
• Represent the company at industry events, military exercises, and customer meetings to strengthen relationships and promote brand visibility.
• Provide strategic feedback to inform product development, technology roadmaps, and long-term business strategy.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in defense, aerospace, or advanced technology sectors, with direct experience managing U.S. military accounts — ideally the USMC.
• Proven success in account management, business development, or program support roles involving complex HW/SW systems.
• Strong understanding of U.S. defense acquisition processes, contracting, and requirements development.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with technical and program teams to meet customer goals.
• Experience in RFI/RFP responses, proposal development, and capture management.
• Customer-focused mindset with a proactive, mission-oriented approach.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the U.S. and to customer sites as required.
• Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain is required.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Stock Options
• Unlimited PTO
• Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
• Medical flex spending
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan - 401k
• Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
• Learning and development opportunities

About Auterion

We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.

At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you’ll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.