Business Development Manager - Defense & Government Programs

Location: Austin, Texas

Department: Business Development
Reports to: Director of Business Development

Type: Full-Time

About HydroGraph

HydroGraph is a hyper-growth advanced materials company scaling pristine, high-performance graphene via its patented Hyperion detonation technology. With more than 70 active commercial projects, a growing global footprint, and industry-leading material quality (99.8% pure graphene), HydroGraph is building the next generation of engineered materials for coatings, composites, and energy storage. Our new Austin HQ will serve as the flagship center for innovation, applied R&D, customer engagement, and rapid material development.

Role Overview

Lead strategic growth for HydroGraph's advanced graphene and clean power technologies across U.S. defense agencies and federal government organizations. This role identifies, qualifies, and secures opportunities within defense, energy resilience, materials, and advanced manufacturing applications. Navigate complex government grant and procurement environments, build trusted relationships with military stakeholders, and ensure compliance with all regulatory, security, and supplier qualification requirements. Requires deep, hands-on experience operating inside government systems, which differ materially from commercial sales environments.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute U.S. defense and government business development strategy aligned with HydroGraph’s technology roadmap

Identify and pursue opportunities with the DoD, U.S. military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force), defense agencies (DARPA, DLA, NAVSEA, AFRL, etc.), and federal civilian agencies

Build and manage a robust pipeline of government contracts, pilot programs, grant‑funded initiatives, and long‑term supply agreements

Establish relationships with program managers, contracting officers, engineers, and end users within military and government organizations

Represent HydroGraph at defense industry conferences, technology demonstrations, and government briefings

Collaborate with prime contractors, subcontractors, and consortium partners to position HydroGraph’s solutions

Lead capture planning for RFPs, RFIs, SBIR/STTR proposals, OTA agreements, sole‑source opportunities, and government grant programs

Coordinate with internal technical, legal, and compliance teams to develop compliant and competitive proposals

Assist in pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and long‑term program planning

Ensure HydroGraph meets and maintains required defense supplier qualifications and certifications

Work closely with internal teams to align product development with military standards and requirements

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Materials Science, Energy Systems, or related field
required

5+ years of defense or government business development experience

Demonstrated, hands-on experience working inside U.S. government procurement and grant systems (commercial-only sales backgrounds will not be considered)

Mandatory experience with government grant programs (SBIR/STTR, OTA, or similar)

Proven success selling to DoD agencies, defense labs, or prime defense
contractors

Active or eligible U.S. Government Security Clearance required (Top Secret clearance strongly
preferred)

U.S. citizenship or eligibility for security clearance required

Deep understanding of defense procurement, contracting vehicles, and federal acquisition frameworks

Excellent communication,
negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

Ability to translate complex technical value propositions into defense applications

Strongcapability in developing government grant proposals (SBIR/STTR, OTA)

Understanding of military standards, requirements, and
certification processes

Ability to work effectively across cultures within military and government organizations

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems

Self-motivated with strong organizational skills to manage multiple complex opportunities

Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain security clearance requirements

Additional eligibility qualifications

Active Top Secret clearance highly preferred

Experience with advanced materials (graphene, composites, nanomaterials), clean energy, or dual-use technologies

Prior military service or DoD civilian experience

Experience transitioning technologies from R&D to operational defense programs

Established network within U.S. defense and government procurement community

Understanding of graphene applications in defense, energy storage, or advanced manufacturing contexts

Work Environment

Standard indoor office work requirements.

Ability to travel frequently (30-50% of time).

Why Join HydroGraph

Lead the core scientific engine of one of the fastest-growing graphene companies in the world.

Shape a next-generation materials platform used across aerospace, energy, infrastructure, consumer goods, and defense.

Work directly with global partners and world-class advisors (GEIC, OEMs, DoD).

Competitive compensation, equity participation, and career advancement as the company scales.