Technical Partnerships Manager

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!
Reporting to the Vice President of Global Partnerships, the Technical Partnerships Manager will work with our senior leaders in the execution of the Wisk strategic technical partnership strategy to achieve key objectives for our self-flying urban air taxi. Specifically, this person will be the B2B business development lead responsible for the Wisk technical partnership pipeline to identify, engage, and close those strategic technical partners that Wisk needs. This individual will work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Legal and other key internal and external stakeholders to realize these efforts in the advancement of Wisk’s self flying, pilotless taxis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategies to identify/source, engage, vet, negotiate with and ultimately close strategic technical partners in support of Wisk needs
• Maintain a constant, detailed understanding of Wisk technical partnership requirements
• Drive the internal coordination and management of strategic technical partnerships through close collaboration with Engineering, Supply Chain, Legal, Marketing, and other internal stakeholders 
• Comfortably convey the Wisk vision and mission to potential partners, influence partner decision making and maintain enduring relationships with Wisk strategic technical partners
• Support the development, issuance, and management of Requests for Information, Request for Proposals and other external-facing solicitations
• Support the negotiation of sophisticated technical contracts, specifically focusing on intellectual property ownership, fee payments, etc.
• Identify and analyze global technical partnership developments and trends that are relevant to the Company’s business interests and engage key internal and external stakeholders to take advantage of those development/trends
• Determine and communicate risks and opportunities related to technical partnerships to the technical and business teams as well as the leadership team. Support risk mitigation and explore ways to take advantage of opportunities.

Required

• 10+ years of direct, technical business development/sales experience, including existing relationships with strategic technical partners in Wisk-relevant industries such as aviation, information technology, automotive, telecommunications, etc.
• Understanding of how to assess global markets, interacting with internal and external stakeholders, and/or developing strategic plans. 
• Strong business acumen and ability to engage senior executives and high-level government officials
• Demonstrated negotiation skills, focusing on technical partnership agreements
• Demonstrated understanding of intellectual property ownership/protection strategies and tactics
• Self-starter, team player that is well organized, flexible, and motivated to grow our business
• BA or BS degree 
• Willingness to travel frequently

Desired

• Direct and recent experience initiating, securing and managing technical partnerships in an aviation-related company
• A technical undergraduate degree

We are located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance (company pays 100% of employee premium), alternative work schedule (9/80), flexible time off, 10 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching (no vesting period), commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as flight lessons, wellness subsidies, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, IP bonus program, happy hours and many more. 
Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 
Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.