VP Partnerships

We’re seeking a Vice President of Partnerships to build, own, and scale our strategic partner ecosystem across the global defense and national security landscape. This role will be responsible for developing and managing strategic alliances, OEM relationships, and joint ventures that accelerate Auterion’s growth and market penetration worldwide.

As VP Partnerships, you will define and execute Auterion’s partnership strategy, working closely with government stakeholders, prime contractors, defense OEMs, and technology partners to embed Auterion’s platform into large-scale, long-term defense programs. You will play a critical role in transitioning Auterion from pilot deployments to system-level adoption, shaping programs that define the future of autonomous systems in defense and public safety.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Own and execute Auterion’s global partnerships strategy across JVs, strategic partners and OEMs.
• Lead the closing of "marquee" deals with industry titans that expand Auterion market share
• Move beyond the "handshake" to ensure long-term health, retention, and scaling of existing accounts.
• Structure and lead joint ventures, long-term strategic agreements, and platform partnerships to accelerate adoption at scale.
• Drive the integration of Auterion’s technology into OEM platforms, defense systems, and multi-year procurement programs.
• Support the development and launch of new autonomous drone programs for national security use cases, including ISR and kinetic operations.
• Enable partners to scale from pilots and evaluations into fleet-wide, multi-agency deployments. Create "playbooks" that help partners sell your product as effectively as your internal team does.
• Work hand in hand with GTM to translate partnerships into material revenue outcomes, supporting €50M+ program opportunities through ecosystem leverage.
• Identify and qualify high-value partnership-led opportunities and guide them through complex regulatory, funding, and procurement pathways.
• Work closely with Sales, GTM, and Customer Success to ensure partner-led deployments are successfully operationalized.
• Build and lead a small, high-impact partnerships team globally.
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Legal, and Policy teams to align partnership structures with Auterion’s platform roadmap and compliance requirements.
• Represent partnerships at the executive and board level, providing strategic insight into market dynamics and growth opportunities.

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree (MSc) or equivalent in a relevant technical or business discipline (e.g., engineering, robotics, computer science, or related field).
• Extensive experience in the defense and national security sector, with a strong network across defense ecosystems.
• Proven track record of building and scaling strategic partnerships, OEM relationships, or joint ventures in complex, regulated markets.
• Demonstrated success transitioning technologies from pilot programs to large-scale defense deployments.
• Strong understanding of defense procurement, funding mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, including senior leadership roles in partnerships, business development, or strategy within defense or dual-use technology companies.
• Comfortable operating in an international, fast-growing environment with high autonomy and ownership.

Benefits

(Germany)

• Flexible working hours
• Stock Options
• Generous holiday allowance
• Pension plan 
• Extended social security package 
• Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
• Learning and development opportunities

(US)

• 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.