Director of U.S. Government Business Development

Doodle Labs builds the connectivity backbone of the autonomous systems revolution — resilient wireless mesh networks that let drones, robots, and unmanned platforms operate reliably in the world's most demanding environments. We sit at the intersection of defense, robotics, and next-generation autonomy, powering the machines that are changing how militaries, first responders, and industries operate in the field. Our core purpose is simple: connect anyone and anything, at any time, in any place.

For over 25 years, our team has been at the forefront of mesh networking, partnering with leading defense programs, robotics manufacturers, and system integrators worldwide. The work here doesn't sit in a slide deck — it ends up in the field, in the hands of people for whom failure isn't an option.

We are seeking a seasoned DoD Business Development professional with deep roots in the unmanned systems community to drive Doodle Labs' direct engagement with DoD program offices, requirements developers, and S&T organizations. You will focus exclusively on DoD unmanned systems programs spanning air, ground, and maritime domains — identifying opportunities, shaping requirements, and building the relationships that position Doodle Labs as the communications backbone of the next generation of US military UAS, UGV, USV, and autonomous platform programs.

• →Identify, track, and develop new business opportunities within DoD unmanned systems program offices across Army, Navy, USAF, USMC, and SOCOM — including PAE Aviation, PAE Soldier, NAVAIR PMA-263, PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants (USC), AFSOC, and relevant CFT/AFC organizations.
• →Build and sustain direct relationships with program managers, requirements officers, S&T/R&D offices, and contracting officers within DoD UAS, UGV, and USV acquisition organizations.
• →Engage DARPA, DIU, and ARL/AFRL/ONR programs pursuing autonomous systems and resilient communications capabilities across air, ground, and maritime unmanned domains.
• →Shape requirements and procurement language in BAAs, RFIs, and RFPs to reflect Doodle Labs' mesh networking and MANET radio capabilities across UxV platforms.
• →Monitor and track DoD unmanned systems procurement pipelines via SAM.gov, GovTribe, and USASpending.gov; deliver actionable BD pipeline reporting to leadership.
• →Responsible for USG RFI/RPF response generation and tracking
• →Lead or coordinate government-facing proposals, white papers, capability briefings, and field demonstrations targeted at DoD UAS, UGV, and USV program stakeholders.
• →Stay current on DoD unmanned systems modernization initiatives — including the Drone Dominance Program, DAWG, JIATF 401, Navy USV programs, and service-specific UxV roadmaps — and translate strategic direction into near-term BD opportunities.
• →Work cross-functionally with product and engineering teams to align Doodle Labs' roadmap with evolving DoD unmanned systems communications requirements across all domains.
• →Manage BD pipeline in HubSpot CRM; maintain accurate opportunity stage, value, and forecast data.
• →Represent Doodle Labs at key DoD-focused events including but not limited to AUSA, AFCEA, Sea-Air-Space, and DoD-sponsored UxV demonstrations and exercises.

• 7+ years of DoD-focused business development, capture management, or program management experience with a direct focus on unmanned systems programs across one or more domains (air, ground, or maritime).
• Established relationships within DoD unmanned systems acquisition communities — Army Futures Command/PAE structures, NAVAIR, PEO USC, AFSOC, SOCOM, or equivalent UAS/UGV/USV program offices.
• Deep familiarity with DoD acquisition processes including JCIDS, DAS, PPBE, OTA (Other Transaction Authority), and rapid fielding pathways as applied to unmanned systems.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and shape requirements in RFIs, BAAs, and RFPs for DoD technology programs.
• Bachelor degree
• Strong written and verbal communication skills — able to author concise capability briefings, white papers, and government-facing presentations.
• Active US Secret security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.
• US citizenship required.

• Prior military service or DoD civilian/contractor experience within a UAS, UGV, USV, or autonomous systems program office.
• Technical familiarity with tactical radio, MANET/mesh networking, RF communications, or C2 link systems used on unmanned air, ground, or surface platforms.
• Experience with SBIR/STTR programs, BAA submissions, or OTA consortium vehicles within the unmanned systems domain.
• Hands-on knowledge of DoD unmanned systems modernization programs — Drone Dominance Program, Replicator Initiative, Navy Ghost Fleet/Overlord, OFFSET, MUMT, or service UxV roadmaps.
• Familiarity with relevant federal contracting vehicles (GSA schedules, IDIQs, GWACs) and NAICS codes applicable to RF/communications hardware (334220, 334511).
• Familiarity with A.I. engines and workflow.

This role requires approximately 30–50% travel for customer meetings, demonstrations, DoD engagements, and industry events.