About Us
Parallel Works is a Chicago-based startup focused on technical computing for science, engineering and business applications. The Parallel Works ACTIVATE SaaS platform makes high performance computing (HPC) workflows easy, fast and collaborative on hybrid cloud and supercomputing environments. The platform acts as middleware between these wide ranges of computing resources and allows organizations to leverage their resource, billing and user hierarchies in a uniform way. Our customers range from small and nimble startups and research organizations creating innovative computing and ML pipelines to the world’s leading flood modeling engineers to government weather and defense agencies to global automotive suppliers.
The Role The Department of Defense (DoD) Sales Executive is responsible for driving business growth by establishing and strengthening relationships within the U.S. Department of Defense with special emphasis on research groups. This role involves developing and executing strategic sales initiatives, understanding complex DoD procurement processes, and effectively positioning the company's solutions to meet mission-critical needs. The DoD Sales Executive will lead business development activities and drive revenue growth, working closely with internal teams to tailor solutions that address the unique challenges and goals of DoD customers.
Responsibilities
- Business Development: Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities within various branches of the Department of Defense, including (but not limited to) Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, with a special emphasis on research groups with compute-intensive workloads.
- Customer Relationship Management: Build and maintain trusted relationships with key decision-makers, influencers, and stakeholders within the DoD. Develop a deep understanding of customer needs, challenges, and strategic objectives.
- Sales Strategy Execution: Create and execute sales plans to achieve revenue targets, including forecasting, tracking, and reporting progress. Align strategies with company objectives and market trends.
- Proposal Development and Negotiation: Lead the preparation of proposals and presentations tailored to the specific needs of DoD clients. Negotiate contract terms in alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Market Intelligence and Analysis: Stay informed of market trends, competitor activities, and emerging needs within the DoD sector. Leverage insights to refine sales approaches and influence product/service development.
- Compliance: Ensure all sales activities comply with federal regulations, government contracting standards, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) guidelines.
- Collaboration with Internal Teams: Work closely with engineering, product development, marketing, and project management teams to develop solutions that address DoD-specific requirements.
Qualifications:
- Experience: 5+ years of experience in sales or business development with a focus on the Department of Defense or Defense Contractors.
- Knowledge: Strong understanding of the DoD acquisition process, contracting vehicles, and federal procurement guidelines.
- Skills: Proven ability to develop strategies and drive results in a government sales environment. Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
- Clearance: Must possess or be able to obtain a security clearance.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in government contracting are a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Network: Established network of contacts within various DoD branches.
- Technical Background: Familiarity with technology solutions used by defense agencies (e.g., cloud computing or high-performance computing).
- Problem Solving: Ability to analyze complex requirements and develop innovative solutions that meet DoD objectives.
Parallel Works is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment with Parallel Works will be contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive technical evaluation and a background check.
Health, Dental, Vision, 401k
What We Do
The story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 isn’t really about the fire. It’s about what happened next: A remarkable moment when the most brilliant engineers, architects and inventors came together to build a new city. Their innovations – born of passion and practical ingenuity – shaped not just Chicago, but the modern world. What started 140 years ago continues to this day. Chicago’s brightest digital designers, engineers and entrepreneurs are shaping new technologies, disrupting old business models, and resetting the boundaries of what’s possible.
1871 is Chicago’s innovation hub and the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. It exists to inspire, equip, and support early stage, growth stage and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~400 technology startups, ~200 growth stage companies, and ~1,500 members, and is supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 850 alumni companies are currently still active, have created over 14,500 jobs, and have raised more than $3.5 billion in follow-on capital.
Come to a place where you can share ideas, take initiative, work hard, grow professionally and, with a little luck, change the world. If that sounds like you, come join us.
Welcome to 1871.
**Please note, the jobs on our job page are positions with our startups.
