We’re on a mission to make the skies safe and accessible for everyone. Our technology gives pilots greater control by simplifying the management of any aircraft during standard flight operations, inclement weather, and emergencies. Our SkyOS solution, rigorously and relentlessly developed by skilled and dedicated Skyrysers, is the key to unlocking this unbounded future. Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will empower everyone to experience the joy and freedom of flight.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD - EL SEGUNDO, CA
Skyryse is seeking an execution-driven Business Development Lead to support our defense commercialization efforts. This is a utility role for a high-horsepower operator who can move fluidly across research, strategy, stakeholder mapping, and execution.The role operates at the intersection of government relations, acquisition strategy, product positioning, and market creation. Core responsibilities include mapping the defense landscape, identifying decision-makers and budget pathways, and developing the insights that inform how Skyryse engages the defense community.
This is a full-time onsite opportunity based out of El Segundo.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build and maintain a detailed power map of decision-makers, budget owners, program offices, and influence centers across DoD and Congress.
- Conduct landscape analysis and data mining across the defense ecosystem to identify programs, funding pathways, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities.
- Support the development and execution of Skyryse's defense commercialization strategy across DoD and related agencies.
- Develop and manage a stakeholder network spanning Professional Staff Members, acquisition officials, program leaders, and warfighter end users.
- Produce briefing materials, stakeholder dossiers, market analyses, and strategic memos that inform executive decision-making.
- Track competitor activity, industry trends, and acquisition signals to sharpen positioning and uncover opportunities.
- Support coordinated efforts across government relations, advisory board development, lobbying partners, PR, and competitive positioning.
- Partner with Product, Engineering, and Leadership to align messaging and positioning with defense and commercial needs.
- Drive early program adoption through pilots, prototypes, and competitive evaluations.
- Take on ad hoc strategic projects to support executive priorities as the company scales.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of experience across management consulting, banking, the Intelligence Community, defense strategy, corporate strategy, or comparable analytical environments.
- Proven track record building network maps, pitching materials, landscape analysis, building business cases, and data mining complex ecosystems to surface relationships, decision pathways, and opportunities.
- Strong research skills with the ability to turn sprawling, ambiguous problems into clear, structured answers.
- High intellectual horsepower and curiosity, with a demonstrated ability to learn new technical domains quickly.
- Genuine interest in aviation, aerospace, and autonomy; prior domain experience not required.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Background in the U.S. Intelligence Community, particularly in roles involving network analysis, target development, or all-source landscape assessment.
- Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, budget cycles, or government funding pathways.
- Exposure to defense technology, dual-use technology, or high-growth startup environments.
- Experience supporting government relations or lobbying efforts.
- Interest in or exposure to crewed, unmanned, or autonomous aviation systems and how they are evaluated and funded across DoD acquisition pathways.
WHY SKYRYSE?
- The opportunity to change the world through improving aviation safety and accessibility
- Compensation Range: $120,000 - $150,000
- Valuable stock option plan
- Heavily subsidized medical, dental and vision plans
- Full-time employees are eligible for 20 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 sick days annually. PTO and sick days must be used in accordance with Company policy.
- A company with an ambitious vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, motivated, and fun to work-with colleagues!
WE WELCOME ALL
Skyryse is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
NO AGENCY CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in management consulting, banking, or comparable analytical environments
- Proven track record building network maps and analysis
- Strong research skills to address complex problems
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
Skyryse Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Skyryse and has not been reviewed or approved by Skyryse.
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Affordable Benefits — Health insurance is heavily subsidized with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families. The low out-of-pocket burden meaningfully increases the value of total compensation.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Policies include 20 days of accrued PTO per year plus sick time and paid holidays, with some materials also describing an unlimited vacation approach. The breadth of time-off offerings compares favorably for a startup environment.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Daily free meals, an onsite gym with a holistic wellness program, snacks and drinks, onsite parking, a mother’s room, and relocation assistance provide tangible day-to-day support. These amenities enhance workplace convenience and overall quality of life.
Skyryse Insights
What We Do
Over a century after the Wright Brothers changed the course of aviation at Kitty Hawk, we are working to open up the skies to the masses. By combining technology and human ingenuity, we want to usher in the next great era of transportation. Skyryse wants to allow anyone, to fly anywhere, in any aircraft, safely and as a highly experienced pilot would. Powered by the Skyryse operating system, we automate flight controls and management to achieve unmatched safety and eliminate opportunities for human error in all flight stages, and in emergency situations. We want to make flying as ubiquitous as the road and as safe as the elevator.
Why Work With Us
Our Four Core Values: Operate as One Team Push for the impossible Move fast to get results with safety, discipline, and purpose Listen to each other with humility to get to the best solution
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