Sr. Director Business Development - Quantum Foundry

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world. 
 
Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.
 
Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds. 
 
Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

Position Summary: 

The Senior Director, Quantum Foundry Business is the commercial leader responsible for defining and executing SkyWater's Quantum Foundry growth strategy. This role drives customer acquisition, strategic partnerships, ecosystem development, bookings, and revenue growth across both custom quantum technology development programs and platform-based foundry offerings. Working closely with Business Unit leadership, Technology Platform Architects, Platform Management, Sales, and Technology Development teams, the Senior Director translates market opportunities and customer needs into long-term business growth while positioning SkyWater as the premier U.S.-based quantum foundry partner. This role combines market leadership, strategic customer engagement, and business development expertise to accelerate adoption of SkyWater's quantum technologies and manufacturing platforms.

Major Areas of Accountability:

Quantum Foundry Business Growth

• Develop and execute the strategic growth plan for SkyWater's Quantum Foundry business.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of commercial, government, and strategic opportunities.
• Achieve annual bookings, revenue growth, and customer acquisition objectives.
• Lead development of account strategies for key quantum, photonics, superconducting electronics, and advanced technology customers.

Customer Acquisition & Strategic Partnerships

• Serve as the executive commercial lead for new customer pursuits.
• Develop relationships with executive decision-makers, investors, national laboratories, government agencies, universities, and ecosystem partners.
• Position SkyWater as a strategic innovation partner rather than a transactional supplier.
• Establish strategic alliances that accelerate customer acquisition and platform adoption.

Market Development & Commercial Strategy

• Define target markets, growth priorities, and customer segments for the Quantum Foundry business.
• Provide market insights and customer requirements that influence platform investment decisions and roadmaps.
• Assess competitive positioning, market trends, funding opportunities, and emerging customer requirements.
• Identify opportunities for expansion into adjacent quantum and advanced technology markets.

Opportunity Development & Capture

• Lead pursuit strategies for major customer programs and strategic technology initiatives.
• Drive proposal strategy, commercial positioning, pricing approaches, and negotiation plans.
• Collaborate with Technology Development, Platform Management, Solutions Engineering, and Sales teams to develop compelling customer proposals.
• Support government proposal activities and customer-funded development opportunities.

Executive Sponsorship & Ecosystem Leadership

• Act as executive sponsor for strategic customer accounts.
• Represent SkyWater at conferences, industry events, consortiums, and customer executive meetings.
• Expand SkyWater's leadership position within the U.S. quantum ecosystem.
• Drive long-term relationships with government, commercial, and academic stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

Education

• BS required; Engineering, Physics, Business, Materials Science, or related discipline

Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in business development, strategic sales, technology commercialization, product management, or semiconductor industry leadership.
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor foundry manufacturing, quantum technologies, photonics, superconducting electronics, advanced packaging, or adjacent advanced technology markets.
• Demonstrated success developing and closing complex multi-million-dollar customer engagements.
• Proven experience building strategic partnerships and market ecosystems.

Skills

• Established relationships within the quantum technology community.
• Demonstrated impact on revenue growth, bookings performance, and business expansion.
• Strong executive presence with ability to influence C-suite, government, and investor stakeholders.
• Ability to translate complex technical capabilities into compelling business value propositions.
• Strong negotiation, strategic planning, and customer relationship management skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong financial acumen and business case development capabilities.
• Travel Requirements: 25-40%.
• This role can be a remote position.
• U.S. Person Required: This position requires compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applicants must be U.S. Persons. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Desired Qualifications:

Education:

• MBA or advanced technical degree

Experience:

• Direct experience within quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing, superconducting electronics, photonics, or advanced semiconductor technologies.
• Government contracting, DoD, DOE, DARPA, NSF, or National Laboratory engagement experience.
• Experience launching or scaling new technology businesses.
• Experience managing strategic partnerships and ecosystem development initiatives.

Skills

• Executive-level presentation and communication experience.
• Track record of influencing technology roadmaps through market and customer insight.
• Experience supporting platform commercialization and go-to-market initiatives.

The job description may not represent all duties and may also require performing other duties as assigned. SkyWater reserves the right to modify position duties at any time during the course of employment.

The annual salary range for this role is $194,640 - $243,300.  Pay offered is based on many factors, including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate. 
 
SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well as other employee financial benefits, including 401k match, and life insurance. 

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market. 

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or [email protected]. 

EOE, including disability/vets

We will never ask applicants to pay fees, purchase equipment or gift cards, or provide financial information before a formal offer of employment has been accepted. If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to represent our company, please verify its authenticity by contacting our recruitment team at [email protected] before responding.