Business Development Manager

Are you searching for an opportunity to take your career to the next level? Ignite Digital Services is a fast-growing digital transformation company serving the national security sector. Our small business applies data science, program management and technical domain expertise to help clients implement data-driven approaches that maximize operational efficiencies.

We’ve redefined what it means to be a leader in our industry by creating and maintaining effective and rewarding working relationships with our clients, partners and internal team members. Our company culture is built upon a team-based approach, which offers continuous opportunities for personal growth and innovation, while providing unmatched value to our clients.

Perks of Working at Ignite Digital Services:

• Competitive pay and benefits, including PTO


• Education stipends and referral bonuses


• Compelling work with the U.S. federal government


• Strong emphasis on volunteer and community engagement


• Opportunity to shape the future of our industry


• Supportive colleagues and management who invest in your growth

We are seeking a highly motivated Business Development Manager to support a government Science & Technology (S&T) department in identifying, shaping, and aligning emerging capabilities with U.S. Navy mission needs. This role is critical in bridging advanced research and development (R&D) with real-world naval applications, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies and systems are positioned for transition into Navy programs of record or operational use.

Key Responsibilities:

Opportunity Identification & Alignment
• Monitor and assess Navy and DoD mission needs, modernization priorities, and capability gaps.
• Identify opportunities where internal R&D, prototypes, or advanced concepts can support fleet requirements or acquisition pathways.
• Track and analyze upcoming solicitations, BAA topics, SBIR/STTR opportunities, and emerging program needs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Navy stakeholders, including PEOs, SYSCOMs, Warfare Centers, ONR, and fleet representatives.
• Serve as a liaison between technical teams and operational or acquisition sponsors to ensure alignment and transition readiness.
• Support technical staff in shaping concepts and capabilities for transition opportunities.

Strategy Development
• Develop and execute business development strategies that position S&T projects for funding, demonstration, and eventual transition.
• Map out technology-to-capability pathways and influence science and technology roadmaps.

Proposal & Capture Support
• Lead or support proposal development for S&T funding, CRADAs, OTAs, and other acquisition pathways.
• Assist in developing white papers, quad charts, technology briefs, and capability overviews.
• Coordinate with program managers, engineers, and researchers to tailor messaging for Navy sponsors.
Transition Planning
• Develop transition plans and support Technology Readiness Level (TRL) maturation activities.
• Support the integration of prototypes into Navy exercises, demonstrations, or experimentation venues (e.g., ANTX, FST, etc.).

Required Qualifications :
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or related field.
• 20+ years of experience in business development, technology transition, or program capture within the DoD, preferably Navy-related.
• Understanding of DoD S&T environments, acquisition processes, and the technology transition lifecycle.
• Prior experience with NavalX, ONR, ATR, DARPA, NIWC, NRL, NAVSEA, and NAVAIR.
• Technical background in emerging domains (e.g., autonomy, AI/ML, C5ISR, undersea systems, EW).
• Demonstrated ability to align technology capabilities to operational needs.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and briefing skills.
• Active Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications;
• Project Management Professional Certification
• TS/SCI security clearance

Salary: 190k+ to align with experience and education

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.  

Ignite Digital Services is a Small Business committed to providing exceptional service to government agencies at competitive prices. The capabilities and experience of our staff and our extensive industry relationships distinguish Ignite Digital Services among government contractors.  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

For individuals who would like to request an accommodation, please visit (CA) or (SC) or contact Human Resources. Ignite Digital Services will not make any posting or employment decision that does not comply with applicable laws relating to labor and employment, equal employment opportunity, employment eligibility requirements or related matters. Nor will Ignite Digital Services require, in a posting or otherwise, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency in the U.S. as a condition of employment except as necessary to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or federal, state, or local government contract.