About the role
About Subsense
Subsense is a deep-tech company developing the world’s first non-surgical, bidirectional brain-computer interface powered by plasmonic and magnetoelectric nanoparticles. Our mission is to unlock direct communication between the human brain and AI - starting with medical applications such as stroke recovery and moving toward cognitive enhancement for healthy users. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Subsense brings together leading scientists and engineers to redefine the future of human–machine interaction.
The Opportunity
The Head of Partnerships will lead the development of high-value, non-medical strategic partnerships with leading technology companies. This role is responsible for creating and securing transformative collaborations that validate our platform and unlock long-term distribution, infrastructure, and data advantages.
We are pre-product. You will be expected to secure LOIs, pilots, and partnerships before a finished product exists.
This role requires selling vision, not product.
What You'll Own
- Define partnership strategy (build vs. buy vs. partner) and prioritize highest-leverage opportunities
- Identify, engage, and close strategic partnerships with top-tier technology companies (e.g., hyperscalers, AI labs, platform providers)
- Build and manage senior relationships across product, research, and corporate development teams
- Originate and structure LOIs, pilot agreements, and joint development partnerships pre-product
- Translate early-stage science into compelling commercial narratives tailored to technical and executive audiences
- Drive measurable partnership outcomes, including access to data, infrastructure, and distribution channels
- Own partnership KPIs (e.g., number of LOIs, pilots, and strategic integrations secured)
What You Bring
- 8–15+ years in strategic partnerships / platform partnerships / corporate development
- Proven ability to structure and secure partnerships that deliver tangible outcomes, including access to data, infrastructure, and distribution channels
- Proven track record of closing 0→1 partnerships with major tech companies
- Experience selling pre-product, platform, or deep tech concepts
- Strong executive presence; able to engage VP/C-suite stakeholders
- Background in AI, infrastructure, developer platforms, or frontier tech strongly preferred
- Highly autonomous, structured, and outcomes-driven
Why You’ll Thrive at Subsense
You'd be joining a small team developing a non-surgical, bidirectional brain-computer interface powered by plasmonic and magnetoelectric nanoparticles. You’ll help translate early research into working technology, with the opportunity to influence both the platform and how we build it.
A few things that make this different
- Own meaningful technical work: Take projects from early R&D through functional prototypes, with room to test ideas, solve complex problems, and shape design decisions.
- Build across disciplines: Work hands-on with ultrasound, electronics, and instrumentation alongside scientists and engineers in neuroscience, nanotechnology, and AI.
- Help shape a novel platform: Contribute to technology with the potential to restore neurological function and, over time, enable direct brain-to-AI communication.
- Make a visible impact: Join a team where your contributions directly influence technical progress, with equity that lets you share in the company’s growth.
Benefits that support life beyond work
- Health coverage with meaningful employer support – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Time to rest and recharge – 15 vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays, plus a company-wide winter shutdown from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.
- An easier commute – Commuter benefits to help make getting to work a little easier.
- Support for growing families – Paid parental leave includes 4 weeks of maternity disability leave and 8 weeks of baby-bonding leave, subject to eligibility.
- Time together as a team – Team outings, lunches, happy hours, and celebrations that create opportunities to connect beyond day-to-day work.
Help build what comes next
If you’re drawn to hard problems, hands-on discovery, and the opportunity to turn research into working technology, we’d like to hear from you.
Subsense is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.