Strategic Partnerships Associate

At SIFT, we’re redefining how modern machines are built, tested, and operated. Our platform gives engineers real-time observability over high-frequency telemetry—eliminating bottlenecks and enabling faster, more reliable development.

SIFT was born from our work at SpaceX on Dragon, Falcon, Starlink, and Starship—where scaling telemetry, debugging flight systems, and ensuring mission reliability demanded new infrastructure. Founded by a team from SpaceX, Google, and Palantir, SIFT is built for mission-critical systems where precision and scalability are non-negotiable.

About the Role

We're looking for a creative, disciplined, and commercially sharp Growth BDR to join our Growth team. This isn't a traditional sales role. It's a high-leverage position at the front edge of how SIFT expands into new markets, activates its partner ecosystem, and builds the pipeline that fuels our next phase of growth. You'll own vertical discovery, partner channel campaigns, and conference-to-pipeline conversion and you'll do it with creativity and urgency. If you're the kind of person who sees a funding announcement and immediately thinks about how to get in the door, this role is for you.

In This Role, You’ll

• Serve as the tip of the spear for SIFT's expansion into emerging industries including Robotics, Energy, and Autonomous Systems researching markets, identifying key technical stakeholders, and running the outbound motion that opens doors for the Account Executive team.

• Synthesize what's working across new verticals and build repeatable messaging, sequencing, and sales assets. You don't wait for a playbook you write it, test it, and hand it off.

• Own pre and post event strategy for industry summits. The goal isn't just attendance, it's converting event presence into booked meetings, tracked follow-ups, and long-term relationships.

• Work across an established partner ecosystem including channel resellers, accelerators, co-marketing programs, and technology integrations to turn warm relationships into qualified, trackable pipeline.

• Find creative angles others overlook a co-branded content play, a joint webinar with a partner, sponsoring a niche accelerator, or an outreach sequence that actually gets a response.

• Monitor industry signals including funding rounds, contract awards, and new technology announcements and translate them into actionable outreach opportunities.

• Own CRM hygiene and pipeline visibility across your book of business, keeping distributed efforts coordinated and accountable.

The Skillset You’ll Bring

• 2+ years of experience in a BDR, partnerships, BD, or GTM role ideally at a startup or technical company where you had to figure things out without a script.

• Demonstrated ability to run creative outbound campaigns, not just cold call sequences.

• Strong written communication- you can write outreach, briefing docs, and partner-facing content that represents the brand well.

• Experience with or genuine curiosity about aerospace, defense, robotics, energy, or industrial tech.

• Proficient in G Suite, Slack, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and CRM tools. Comfortable picking up new tools quickly.

• Proactive and organized nothing falls through the cracks, and you have systems to make sure of it.

Bonus Points

• Experience running partner or channel campaigns through resellers, accelerators, or co-marketing programs.

• Familiarity with government BD, SBIR programs, or defense procurement processes.

• Experience ghostwriting outreach or content on behalf of senior team members.

• Comfort in fast-moving startup environments where the job evolves quickly and creativity is rewarded.

• Interest in the future of hardware, autonomy, space, defense, or energy technology.

Location & Travel

SIFT’s headquarters is in Marina del Rey, CA. We collaborate in person Monday through Thursday, with Friday being a remote day.

Salary range: $125,000 - $175,000 per year. Plus equity and benefits.

Eligibility

US Person Required: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder due to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) / EAR (Export Administration Regulations) compliance requirements.