AstraYAN is a deep-technology company located at IIT Madras Research Park and incubated at IIT Madras Incubation Cell. AstraYAN focused on building next-generation digital platform systems that are the key technological enablers for the smart, remote-controlled, and autonomous vessels of the future. Our product ecosystem—IntegARK, SmartARK, RemoteARK, AutonomARK and the VyomARK development framework, while being focused on the global markets, also addresses critical capability gaps in the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem, particularly in digital platform systems and propulsion system integration for current programs and integrated unmanned (remote/ autonomous) systems for future programs.

About The Job

We are seeking a Business Development Manager to join our team to shape, capture, and grow new maritime concepts, products and future business lines. You will partner with engineering and product divisions to define the customer set, translate customer mission requirements into a credible product strategy, build the partnerships required to deliver the capability, and lead the captures that turn the concept into a program of record.

We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader who thrives on greenfield challenges and is eager to build programs and capabilities from the ground up. If you have experience in consulting, business development, commercial maritime, government program acquisitions, defense strategy, or the intersection of advanced technology and national security, and you are looking for a role where the strategy, customer relationships and the technical shaping all sit in the same seat, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

- Originate and shape business opportunities.



Take ownership of the front end of AstraYAN's growth pipeline. You will pinpoint where next-generation programs and target markets will emerge, crafting proactive engagement strategies to establish an early advantage. By developing a comprehensive perspective on client needs, technical roadmaps, and competitive dynamics, you will translate market insights into targeted pursuits. You will drive executive-level engagements, anticipate procurement windows, and lead winning proposal response strategies.

- Build and execute a cohesive, data-driven strategy to shape, capture, and close emerging growth opportunities in new or existing markets that allow AstraYAN to penetrate, expand, and deliver AstraYAN’s capabilities to defense and commercial customers.

- Interact with industry partners, contractors and subcontractors to drive the rapid shaping, commercial and defense offerings to take early requirements from concept to execution.

- Drive day-to-day operational efficiency by optimizing workflows, monitoring core business activities, and resolving bottlenecks

- Maintain and build relationships with investors and stakeholders within the Research Park Ecosystem to identify and facilitate opportunities for business growth and collaboration





- Collaborate across business units and engineering teams to identify new growth vectors within active accounts. You will leverage existing client relationships to unlock fresh mission areas, access untapped budget lines, and convert institutional trust into new program starts.

- Serve as a key external voice for AstraYAN with customers, industry partners, and the broader market. Moving beyond standard communications, you will establish operational concepts and frame technical requirements that educate buyers and generate demand for entirely new capability categories.

- Function as the strategic bridge between evolving customer pain points and engineering teams, translating ambiguous requirements into concrete product theses and actionable roadmaps. You will filter high-value market signals, define core technical requirements, align key stakeholders, and drive programs toward critical milestones.

Required Qualifications

- Successfully completed university degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Marketing or a related field

- Strong business and commercial acumen, ideally complemented by relevant further training or additional qualifications

- Experience working with industry clients, particularly in business development and/or key account management

- Willingness to travel

- Ability to work independently, robust interpersonal skills, and a team-oriented mindset

- High level of initiative, assertiveness, and a cooperative working style

- Excellent communication skills, decisiveness, strong planning and organizational skills

- Proficiency in IT systems, particularly MS Office, Google Suite, Zoho Workspace

- Good proficiency in English (spoken and written)

📌 Business Development Manager (Chennai)
🏢 AstraYAN
📍 Chennai