Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager Jobs in Reston, VA

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state‑of‑the‑art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

We are seeking a Strategic Partnerships Manager who will play a critical role in building and executing high‑impact partnerships across the defense, technology, and maritime sectors. As part of the Strategic Partnerships function and Corporate Development team, you will collaborate closely with Saronic’s executive leadership team to identify, cultivate, confirm, and lead strategic alliances that support the growth of our products, our company, and our impact on the maritime domain. You will serve as a deal‑maker and operator who can translate conversations into durable, multi‑year partnerships that drive tangible business outcomes.

• Develop and execute partnership strategies: Identify and prioritize potential partnership opportunities across the defense and commercial maritime sectors, engaging with senior stakeholders from a broad range of organizations spanning established defense companies, emerging technology providers, key supplier partners, academic organizations, and Government entities.

• Build and maintain deep, trust‑based relationships: Establish and nurture strong working relationships with key decision‑makers and change agents with established and prospective partner organizations.

• Balance strategic vision and hands‑on execution in complex, fast‑paced environments: Flex seamlessly from identifying new partnership opportunities to support business objectives to structuring agreements to ensuring seamless transitions from deal to delivery.

• Coordinate across the company: Lead efforts to structure and establish enduring agreements that support growth, engineering, product, and software team objectives.

• Negotiate partnership agreements: Lead negotiations on partnership terms, agreements, and contracts, ensuring that all parties' interests are met while advancing company objectives.

• Stay ahead of defense and maritime sector trends: Monitor and anticipate developments in defense, maritime, robotics, and autonomy – including funding flows, technology advancements, and policy trends – to proactively identify opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• 7+ years of experience in a strategic role in a high‑velocity environment, preferably with exposure to defense, aerospace, maritime, or robotics industries; 4+ years of experience in strategy consulting preferred.

• Familiarity with defense technologies, autonomy/robotics, and maritime systems.

• Experience working with government stakeholders and the Defense Industrial Base.

• Demonstrated record of success in forming and maintaining high‑value partnerships with public and private sector entities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.

• Skilled in negotiation and navigating complex internal and external stakeholder environments with the highest degree of discretion.

• Active SECRET security clearance required, eligibility for TS/SCI preferred.

• Ability to travel as needed (20‑30%).

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services. Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents.

• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check‑ups, orthodontics, and vision care. Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents.

• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays.

• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents.

• Competitive Salary: Industry‑standard salaries with opportunities for performance‑based bonuses.

• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match.

• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.

• Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline.

• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office.

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees. If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export‑controlled information or items that require "U.S. Person" status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a "U.S. Person": (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.