Definition

Business Development Growth Lead - Ground/Air Mission Autonomy

Applied Compute

Applied Compute

Sales & Business Development
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Mar 6, 2026

Location

Washington D.C.

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Government

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) mission 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 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 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 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 Army missions 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.