Director of Defense Partnerships: Lead Strategic DoD Alliances for Groundbreaking Wireless Tech

📍 Remote – West Lafayette, USA or Washington DC Metro | Competitive salary + performance bonus + early-stage equity

✈️ Travel required: ~20–40%. Preference for candidates based near West Lafayette, IN or the DC area.

🚀 About Ixana

Ixana is a Purdue University spinoff pioneering brain-inspired wearable computing. We've developed Wi-R, a patented communication tech that's 100x more energy-efficient than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Join our fast-growing team building the next era of real-time, AI-powered human-computer interaction.

💡 The Wi-R Revolution

Wi-R is a patented, non-radiative near-field communication technology that creates secure, wire-like wireless connections using electric-field bubbles around your body. It enables high-speed data transfer through skin contact at sub-0.1 nanojoules per bit — finally making long-term wearable and implantable electronics viable.
🎥 See Wi-R in action

What You’ll Do

As Director of Defense Partnerships, you’ll lead Ixana’s strategic growth in the Department of Defense ecosystem. You'll build and manage high-impact relationships with DoD stakeholders and defense primes, helping shape the future of secure, high-speed communication in military tech and beyond.

• Own and execute the DoD go-to-market strategy for Ixana’s technology

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of DoD programs, grants, and procurement opportunities

• Identify, qualify, and close strategic partnerships with defense organizations and contractors

• Develop technical positioning and marketing materials for the defense segment

• Establish KPIs and frameworks to measure and scale partnership success

• Collaborate with executive leadership to inform product and ecosystem direction

• Serve as a thought partner for shaping long-term defense-focused product applications

What We're Looking For

Required

• 10+ years of experience in DoD acquisition, defense contracting, or strategic partnerships

• Deep understanding of DoD trends, procurement processes, and go-to-market strategies

• Demonstrated success in building and closing multi-stakeholder defense deals

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills

• Prior work with or within DoD agencies or major defense primes

Preferred

• Experience with semiconductor or hardware technologies in a defense context

• Familiarity with military radios or tactical communication systems

• Entrepreneurial drive and ability to thrive in fast-paced, early-stage environments

• Strong analytical mindset and financial fluency for assessing partnership ROI

💰 Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: Competitive and tailored to experience + industry standards

• Bonus: $10K–$25K annual performance bonus

• Equity: Meaningful early-stage stock options

• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), generous PTO, relocation (if needed), travel budget

• Visa Support: Available for qualified candidates

🌟 Why Join Us

• Shape the defense strategy for a truly revolutionary technology

• Work with world-class experts in IC, embedded systems, and secure communications

• Be at the forefront of wearable and defense tech convergence

• Join a mission-driven team focused on real-world impact

• Enjoy autonomy, high visibility, and a startup's pace with long-term upside

📍 Location:
Remote, with preference for West Lafayette, IN or Washington DC Metro area. Travel required (20–40%).

📢 Application Requirements

• Resume

• Short note describing your most impactful DoD partnership or acquisition experience

• (Optional) Examples of past deals, GTM plans, or defense-aligned strategic initiatives

Ready to help rewire the defense communication landscape?
Apply at ixana.ai/careers