Head of Growth – Business Development, Sales & Government Affairs, Lykos

Lykos is a U.S.-based advanced materials and manufacturing company building a qualification-led repair & sustainment network for defense and aerospace industries. In the role of Head of Growth you will build and lead business development, sales, and government affairs alongside our CEO and team of DoW liaisons. You'll own the path from first relationship to paid reorder. You'll also help shape the policy that makes distributed repair + sustainment repeatable across the Department of War.

Responsibilities

Build the growth function: set strategy for BD, sales, capture, and government affairs, then hire and lead the team; Land initial proof points: take the first OEM-authorized part family through qualification to point-of-need execution and paid reorders; Engage OEMs: negotiate master agreements and field-of-use licenses allowing Lykos to repair and reproduce parts while OEMs retain design authority; Shape DoW demand: partner with Product Support Managers, program offices, depots, and operational units to convert critical readiness items into funded programs; Leverage contracting vehicles: utilize OTAs, public-private partnerships, SBIR/STTR, IBAS, and commercial OEM agreements; Lead government affairs: build relationships on the Hill and across the executive branch to drive policies for distributed sustainment and qualification reciprocity; Manage pipeline and forecasting: deliver win strategy, capture plans, proposals, and reliable revenue forecasts; Represent customer needs: inform the product roadmap and platform development based on warfighter and OEM feedback; Support growth and strategy: identify candidate facilities for acquisition and represent Lykos across key stakeholder meetings and industry events

Requirements

U.S. citizen with an active Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one; Able to travel 40–50% of time; Willing to register as a lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act if required; Bachelor's degree; an advanced degree or senior service school is a plus

Nice to have

Experience in advanced manufacturing, additive, repair and overhaul, or aftermarket; Experience sustaining unmanned systems or robotics (SOCOM, Army); Experience with M&A or integrating acquired businesses; Exposure to commercial regulated industries such as FAA repair stations, energy, or rail; Existing relationships with defense-focused VCs and primes