Head of Business Development – Defense

At Machina Labs, we’re reshaping manufacturing through advanced robotics and machine learning. Our platform uses the largest 7-axis robots on the market to form 2D sheets of metal into complex 3D parts, layer-by-layer.

Traditional sheet metal production was designed for scale, not flexibility. It relies on costly dies and tooling that make lower volume projects prohibitively slow and expensive. We’re changing that. Whether you’re a defense prime building a few thousand airframes or an automaker building next-generation panels, Machina Labs gives you the ability to iterate and manufacture at the speed of software. 

With support from the venture arms of Toyota, NVIDIA, and Lockheed Martin, we’re accelerating the future of manufacturing, one where factories are flexible, production is on-demand, and innovation is unconstrained. 

Machina Labs is seeking a Head of Business Development – Defense to lead and scale our engagements across advanced U.S. defense programs. This strategic, well-connected leader will own relationships with Defense Primes and relevant Department of War (DoW) acquisition organizations, driving qualification and production contracts for complex metal structural assemblies across both production and sustainment programs.

This role is focused on embedding Machina’s advanced manufacturing solutions into mission-critical weapon systems by building trusted relationships with senior decision-makers, Program Offices, innovation organizations, and government stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of introducing and scaling advanced manufacturing technologies within the defense acquisition ecosystem. Experience positioning as a Tier-1 supplier to major Primes, while navigating the associated DoW organizations responsible for weapons development and sustainment, is critical. This individual must command credibility with both technical and executive stakeholders and be comfortable driving long-cycle opportunities from early feasibility and prototyping through qualification and full-rate production.