Director of Business Development

We’re supporting an early‑stage space technology company looking for a Director of Business Development – Space & National Security . They are developing a new approach to how spacecraft and payloads can be deployed and operated in orbit. The business is working on first‑of‑its‑kind technology designed to give future space architectures greater flexibility, scalability and operational responsiveness, with a particular focus on supporting U.S. national‑security missions. Following recent government traction, they are looking to add a Director of Business Development to help expand their presence across the U.S. defense and intelligence community. This is a hands‑on business development and capture role for someone who understands how emerging space technologies move from early customer conversations through requirements shaping, funded programs and ultimately contract award. You’ll work closely with company leadership, engineering, programs and external partners to identify where the technology can solve priority government mission needs and build a pipeline around those opportunities. What You’ll Be Doing Develop relationships across the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force and Intelligence Community Identify and qualify new government opportunities aligned with the company’s technology and growth strategy Shape opportunities early by understanding customer requirements, mission gaps and acquisition priorities Build account strategies, customer engagement plans and capture plans Own opportunities from initial engagement through proposal and contract award Maintain and manage the government BD pipeline, including forecasting and opportunity prioritisation Support and coordinate responses to RFIs, RFPs, BAAs, white papers and other government solicitations Translate customer requirements and market feedback into clear inputs for engineering and company leadership Build relationships with primes, industry partners and other organisations that can strengthen capture strategies Represent the company in customer meetings, industry events and strategic discussions Ideally, you’ll bring: 7+ years of relevant experience across government business development, capture, defense programs, acquisition. Direct experience working with national‑security customers such as the DoD, Space Force, Air Force or Intelligence Community A strong understanding of how government opportunities are identified, shaped, funded and awarded Experience developing capture strategies and supporting proposals, white papers or customer presentations Knowledge of government acquisition, budgeting, procurement and contracting processes The ability to understand technically complex products and communicate their value to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders Strong relationship‑building skills across government, industry and internal technical teams Particularly Relevant Experience Experience within space tech is essential, particularly if you’ve worked around spacecraft, complex hardware/software systems or emerging space capabilities. Exposure to acquisition mechanisms such as OTAs, SBIR/STTR, BAAs, IDIQs or FAR-based contracts is key. Why It’s Interesting This is a chance to join a fast scaling, ambitious space company at a point where its technology is gaining meaningful government traction. Rather than inheriting a mature territory, you’ll have the opportunity to help shape the company’s national‑security strategy, build customer relationships from an early stage and directly influence which programs and markets the business pursues. Package: $180-220k Equity‑Based Compensation 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match Highly Competitive PTO Paid company holidays + winter break Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Unique Performance‑based bonus opportunities #J-18808-Ljbffr InnoForge