Founding Business Development Lead
Orion
Location: Hybrid (Denver, CO) | Type: Full-time
Working at Orion
Orion builds AI systems that forecast physical and geopolitical risk in real time for corporate, government, and defense clients. Our platform delivers AI-evolving threat intelligence to decision-makers when it matters most.
We’ve just closed a strong seed round to scale sales. As our Founding Business Development Lead, you’ll be the first hire on the sales side — owning pipeline, running discovery, and closing strategic accounts alongside the CEO. You’ll set the foundation for how Orion sells and take on greater responsibility as we grow.
What You’ll Do
- Run outbound campaigns targeting Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and defense organizations
- Qualify inbound interest and turn it into real opportunities
- Lead discovery conversations, map buying processes, and drive deals forward
- Partner directly with the CEO on pitches, proposals, and closing strategic accounts
- Feed client insights back into product and GTM strategy
- Build and refine Orion’s early sales playbook
- Manage pipeline and reporting in Attio (or CRM of choice)
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of experience in B2B SaaS sales or business development (defense/security sector experience a plus)
- Proven track record of building pipeline and advancing complex deals
- Strong communicator who can engage senior decision-makers
- Self-starter comfortable in ambiguous, fast-changing environments
- Genuine interest in AI, security, and global risk
Bonus Points For
- Experience selling to Fortune 500 companies, government, or defense clients
- Prior startup or early-stage experience building sales process from scratch
- Familiarity with security, defense, or intelligence communities
- Design skills (Figma)
- Willingness to travel
You’ll like this role if:
- You want to be the founding sales hire and shape Orion’s sales motion
- You thrive in high-growth environments where speed and adaptability matter
- You’re excited to build pipeline from scratch and close strategic accounts with the CEO
- You want to grow into broader responsibility as Orion scales
Compensation
Competitive salary, commission, equity, and the opportunity to grow with a high-impact team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who else works at Orion? We are a small team of engineers and operators with backgrounds in F500, defense, and VC-backed startups. You’ll work closely with Rahul, the CEO, on every deal.
What stage is Orion at? We’re a Techstars and VC-backed dual-use AI startup with a strong seed round to scale sales. Early-stage, high-growth, and moving fast.
What’s the sales culture like? High-touch, relationship-driven, and focused on winning complex corporate and government accounts. Hustle and strategic thinking are expected.
What’s work/life balance like? We’re an early-stage startup. There are sprints where hours make a big difference. We also believe in building sustainably and don’t glorify burnout.
What’s the interview process? Initial call with leadership → practical sales conversation → final interview with the team.
How to Apply Email rahul@oriongeo.com with your resume and a short note about the most impressive relationship you’ve built or deal you’ve helped close.