Sr. Account Manager - Pentagon

Sr. Account Manager - Pentagon

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

Stratolaunch is seeking a Sr. Account Manager – Pentagon to serve as a front-end Business Development leader responsible for building relationships across the Department of War and driving strategic award opportunities within Pentagon programs. This individual will help shape and capture opportunities by translating customer needs into funded programs, with a particular focus on how Stratolaunch's hypersonics portfolio can support the Department of War's need for hypersonic systems and flight demonstrations. This is intended to be a hands-on role for someone who can lead capture strategy, develop win themes, build relationships, and contribute to proposal development in partnership with the broader Business Development team.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage and execute the full business development lifecycle across the Office of the Secretary of War related pursuits, primarily Research and Engineering but working with Acquisition and Sustainment as well.
• Lead capture activities by developing win strategies, capture plans, and opportunity shaping plans that position Stratolaunch for award.
• Translate customer needs, operational gaps, and exercise requirements into program requirements and actionable win strategies.
• Develop and execute customer engagement plans to build understanding of customer priorities, mission challenges, and funding pathways.
• Identify where Stratolaunch capabilities, including the evolving hypersonics vehicles portfolio, align to Department of War needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the Pentagon and partners.
• Lead solution strategy in partnership with internal business development and technical teams to mature offerings and shape pursuits.
• Support proposal development by contributing to strategy, messaging, and written content as part of a larger BD/proposal team.
• Brief pipeline status, pursuit strategy, and closure plans to senior and executive leadership on a regular basis.
• Execute capture gate reviews and help drive disciplined pursuit management across assigned opportunities.
• Represent Stratolaunch as a trusted, credible, and proactive business development partner.

Qualifications

• Recent experience working with the Department of War and familiarity with Pentagon hypersonic priorities and challenges.
• Hypersonic Technology Expertise: In-depth knowledge and understanding of the value of hypersonic flight systems, Familiarity with industry-specific challenges, best practices, and emerging trends.
• Demonstrated ability to connect customer need, operational demand, and funding strategy to help close opportunities.
• Experience with acquisition processes, strategic planning, and opportunity shaping.
• Ability to build relationships while also doing hands-on capture and proposal work without relying on a large support staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to help write proposal content and executive-level briefing material.
• Strong business development and/or capture management background preferred.
• Ability to understand warfighter needs, Pentagon priorities, exercise gaps, and where Stratolaunch solutions can provide value.
• Candidates should be able to understand mission need, capability fit, and solution tailoring at a level sufficient to shape opportunities effectively.
• Established professional network within the aerospace industry, including connections with research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners.
• Experience as part of a business leadership team at a significant divisional or overall business level.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, National Security Studies, Public Policy, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 15+ years of relevant experience supporting the Department of War or closely relevant defense experience.
• Prior experience in business development, capture, account management, strategic planning, military exercises, acquisition, or operational planning strongly preferred.
• Backgrounds may include senior civilian professionals supporting the Pentagon, or military officers exiting service at approximately the O-6 level or comparable experience, particularly those who are comfortable working as individual contributors in a hands-on role.

Special Remarks Regarding Work Environment, If Applicable

• Must be on-site at Washington, DC company facility.
• Travel to Mojave, CA, Huntsville, AL Dayton, OH, and other mission/operational sites will be required; travel estimated at 25 – 50 percent of the month

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews. Benefits and our location(s):

• 9/80 schedule
• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees' and applicants' time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law: