Senior Sales Manager, Maritime Autonomy & Government Affairs

Position Summary

Blue Ops is a rapidly growing leader in autonomous maritime systems and unmanned surface vessel (USV) manufacturing supporting U.S. defense, homeland security, and allied maritime operations. The company is focused on delivering next-generation autonomous maritime capabilities to government and commercial customers through innovative vessel platforms, autonomy integration, and mission-focused operational solutions.

Blue Ops is seeking a highly qualified Senior Sales Manager to support strategic growth initiatives across the defense, maritime autonomy, and government sectors. This position is designed for a uniquely experienced professional with deep knowledge of unmanned maritime systems, U.S. Navy operations, defense stakeholder engagement, and federal government relations.

The Senior Sales Manager will play a critical role in expanding Blue Ops’ strategic relationships within the Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, congressional defense community, autonomy industry ecosystem, and defense contractor network.

This role requires an individual with exceptional credibility in maritime autonomy, defense operations, and government engagement who can help position Blue Ops as a leading provider of autonomous maritime capabilities supporting evolving national security requirements.

The ideal candidate will possess a rare combination of:

• operational military leadership,
• maritime autonomy industry expertise,
• defense acquisition familiarity,
• government affairs experience,
• and established relationships within the Washington, D.C. defense and congressional community.

The position will work closely with executive leadership and reports to the Senior Director of Sales to drive customer engagement, strategic partnerships, and long-term growth initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and expand strategic relationships within the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, Coast Guard, congressional defense committees, and maritime autonomy ecosystem
• Support growth initiatives related to unmanned surface vessels (USVs), maritime autonomy systems, autonomous mission operations, and emerging naval technologies
• Represent Blue Ops in high-level engagements with government stakeholders, defense primes, autonomy providers, and industry organizations
• Assist in identifying and pursuing government, defense, and strategic partnership opportunities
• Support capture strategy development and customer engagement efforts related to autonomy, maritime innovation, and national security initiatives
• Serve as a liaison between Blue Ops and key stakeholders in defense innovation, acquisition, and maritime operational communities
• Represent Blue Ops at congressional briefings, defense conferences, trade events, demonstrations, and industry working groups
• Collaborate with internal engineering, operations, and executive teams to align customer requirements with operational capabilities and future product development
• Provide strategic market intelligence related to defense priorities, maritime autonomy trends, and emerging operational requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; United States Naval Academy graduate strongly preferred
• 7+ years of leadership experience within defense, maritime operations, autonomy systems, government affairs, naval intelligence, or related national security sectors
• Demonstrated expertise in unmanned surface vessels (USVs), maritime autonomy systems, autonomous operations, or uncrewed maritime technologies strongly preferred
• Proven experience supporting or engaging with Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, NAVCENT, Fifth Fleet, Naval innovation organizations, or defense operational commands
• Strong understanding of defense acquisition processes, operational requirements development, and emerging maritime technology integration
• Experience engaging with congressional offices, defense committees, federal agencies, or government affairs/lobbying activities highly preferred
• Existing relationships within the maritime autonomy, naval operations, defense innovation, or Washington, D.C. national security community preferred
• Demonstrated ability to engage senior military leaders, acquisition officials, congressional staff, and executive stakeholders
• Active or recently held Top Secret / SCI security clearance strongly preferred
• Excellent communication, presentation, and strategic relationship-building skills
• Ability to travel nationally in support of customer engagement, demonstrations, and strategic industry events

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Deep understanding of emerging maritime autonomy and unmanned systems operational concepts
• Strong strategic thinking and customer engagement capabilities
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced defense technology environment
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally across technical, operational, and executive teams
• Passion for national security innovation, maritime operations, and autonomous systems development

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

•  Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.