Head of Business Development - Space

Company Overview

Zeno Power’s (Zeno) mission is to provide clean, plug-and-play power anywhere in the universe. To do that, Zeno is developing a next-generation radioisotope power system (RPS) that generates carbon-free, resilient power for decades, utilizing material found in nuclear waste. Zeno’s technology is both light-weight and cost-effective compared to historic RPS, opening up broad market opportunities in space and terrestrially. To bring this breakthrough technology to market, Zeno is seeking out purpose-driven and innovative professionals who are comfortable working in a startup environment. Team members will have a direct impact in enabling commercial and national security missions from the depths of our oceans, to the surface of the moon, and in austere environments here on Earth.

Zeno is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Head of BD - Space

We are seeking a Head of Space team member to support the company’s growth in the space sector, with a focus on NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and commercial space markets. Reporting to CEO, this individual will play a key role in identifying new opportunities, leading capture efforts, and driving strategic growth initiatives across the civil, commercial, and defense space sectors.

The ideal candidate has experience in government and commercial space programs, business development, or space technology commercialization and is eager to contribute to a fast-growing, high-impact team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge power solutions that will transform deep space and national security missions.

In this role you will:

• Lead the development and execution of business development strategies for the space sector, including NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and commercial space markets.
• Identify and track new space business opportunities, including SBIRs, OTAs, prototype contracts (e.g. Funded Space Act Agreements) and programs of record, ensuring alignment with Zeno’s growth objectives.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic positioning in orbital and cislunar/lunar ecosystems.
• Lead capture efforts, including stakeholder engagement, requirements shaping, and proposal coordination.
• Develop and maintain relationships key government agencies (e.g. NASA Centers, AFRL/RV, Space Systems Command, DARPA), defense primes, and commercial space entities (e.g. Commercial Lunar Payload Services providers).
• Lead the proposal process, including writing content, coordinating inputs from technical teams, and ensuring alignment with Zeno’s pricing and value proposition strategy.
• Represent Zeno Power at industry events, conferences, and customer engagements to strengthen market presence and build strategic relationships.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, supply chain, and regulatory teams to ensure Zeno’s technology roadmap is aligned with lunar, deep space, and national security needs.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• 10+ years of experience in business development, government sales, or strategic partnerships in defense, aerospace, energy, or advanced technology sectors.
• Proven track record of transitioning prototype/R&D programs into full-scale production contracts (e.g., SBIR Phase III, Programs of Record, IDIQs).
• Deep understanding of DoD and NASA procurement cycles, budgeting, and contracting mechanisms.
• Experience working with defense primes, government agencies, and commercial customers to bring advanced technology to market.
• Strong technical acumen and ability to explain complex technologies to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.
• Must hold or be able to maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active to hold a TS/SCI clearance.
• Prior experience working with relevant program offices
• Familiarity with nuclear operations, import/export regulations, and/or radioactive materials and radiation safety.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Washington, D.C. (Mt. Vernon/Chinatown) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays.
• Travel: Travel is required, 25%-50%
• Motor Abilities: Sitti