Jobs in El Segundo, CA

About the role

Skyryse is seeking an execution-driven Defense 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.

What you'll bring

• 4+ years of experience across military service (Army, Marine Corps, or other branches), management consulting, banking, the Intelligence Community, defense strategy, corporate strategy, or comparable analytical or operational 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
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Familiarity with how warfighter requirements become programs of record (e.g., JCIDS, requirements generation, PPBE budget cycles).
• Familiarity with DoW 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 DoW acquisition pathways.
• Background in the U.S. Intelligence Community, particularly in roles involving network analysis, target development, or all-source landscape assessment.

Benefits