Director, Business Development

Director, Business Development & Strategic PartnershipsBlueSpace.ai is revolutionizing the autonomous vehicle industry with our groundbreaking self-driving technology. Unlike conventional autonomy software, our patented 4D Predictive Perception removes reliance on data. By leveraging next-gen 4D sensors, we can precisely predict the motion of all objects, increasing accuracy, lowering latency, and setting a new standard for safety and efficiency in autonomy.Our team consists of seasoned professionals from across the autonomous vehicle (AV) ecosystem, including OEMs, world-class research institutions, and leading autonomous driving companies. With a proven track record of successful AV service launches in California, Texas, and Florida, we are well-positioned to drive the next generation of autonomy.We are seeking talented, self-motivated individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and are passionate about making a significant impact on the future of mobility. If you're driven to tackle the most complex challenges in autonomy and push the boundaries of what is possible, we want to hear from you.As a key member of the Business Development and Strategic Partnerships team, you will play a crucial role in driving BlueSpace.ai's growth. You will identify new business opportunities, foster strategic partnerships, and contribute to the development and execution of our overall business strategy. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, strong business acumen, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to think strategically and execute. As a deep tech startup, we expect you to draw from your individual and collective experience to implement innovative solutions and iterate based on market feedback and company needs.ResponsibilitiesDrive the identification, evaluation, and pursuit of new business opportunities and strategic partnerships with a focus on key target markets such as defense, mining, construction, and commercial transit.Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to identify industry trends, competitive landscape, and potential areas for expansion or collaboration.Develop and execute innovative business strategies that leverage BlueSpace.ai's unique value proposition and market position to drive revenue growth and market share.Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and internal teams.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Sales, to ensure alignment and effective execution of business development initiatives.Negotiate and structure strategic partnership agreements that optimize value creation for both BlueSpace.ai and its partners.Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in the deep tech industry to inform and adapt business development strategies.Represent BlueSpace.ai at industry events, conferences, and meetings to promote the company's brand, products, and services.Qualifications and Experience15+ years of business development and/or strategic partnerships experience (8+ in the software industry).BS/BA in engineering, computer science, business administration, economics, or a related field. Advanced degrees are a plus.Proven track record of identifying, negotiating, and managing strategic partnerships that drive business growth and create mutual value.Demonstrated success in bringing new technologies to market and driving execution in ambiguous environments.Ability to distill complex information into actionable insights.Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects and partners simultaneously.Proactive problem-solver with a high sense of urgency and ownership, capable of navigating challenges independently.Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.Genuine passion for autonomous driving, deep tech, and AI, and a desire to contribute to groundbreaking innovations in these fields.Extra Credit2+ years of experience in strategy consulting, investment banking, or similar professional services roles.Experience successfully developing strategic relationships in the defense sector.Experience successfully collaborating with C-suite executives in high-growth autonomous driving, deep tech, or AI startups.Experience with grant writing.Based in the SF Bay Area$150,000 - $180,000 a yearBlueSpace.ai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or national origin or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.