Technical Business Development Manager (Defense)

Technical Business Development Manager (Defense)

As a Technical Business Development Manager at Impulse, you will help lead our defense-focused growth initiatives across space mobility, space control, space domain awareness, and missile defense. This role requires a deep understanding of spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, and launch services, and the ability to translate that expertise into compelling solutions for national security stakeholders. As a key member of the Business Development team, you will shape emerging requirements, engage early with acquisition offices, and lead capture strategies that align with Impulse's roadmap for responsive and resilient space capabilities —particularly in on-orbit servicing, autonomous space systems, and tactically responsive space missions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies for defense markets, with a focus on space mobility, space control, space domain awareness, and missile defense
• Identify and qualify new opportunities for DoW, USSF, MDA, and SDA customers
• Engage early in program formulation to shape requirements through white papers, CONOPS, and system architecture trades
• Collaborate with internal engineering and mission teams to craft compelling solutions and white papers
• Lead capture efforts, proposal strategy, teaming discussions, and stakeholder outreach
• Represent Impulse Space at key industry days, technical forums, and classified engagements
• Maintain situational awareness of acquisition pathways (e.g., OTAs, MTA, SBIR/STTR, IDIQ) and upcoming solicitation
• Work closely with executive leadership to align defense pursuits with long-term strategic objectives

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in business development, capture, or program management, or technical positions in the national security space domain
• Demonstrated experience with the U.S. Department of War, particularly U.S. Space Force, MDA, SDA, and relevant IC customers
• Demonstrated track record of shaping and winning defense programs or advanced concept studies
• Strong technical fluency in spacecraft subsystems, mission design, launch integration, or space vehicle operations
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both technical and executive stakeholders
• Ability to work on-site at our Redondo Beach facility and travel as needed (up to 25%)
• Active TS/SCI clearance or eligibility to obtain one

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 8+ years of experience in national security space, preferably involving space mobility, space control, SDA, or missile defense systems
• Prior experience with space mobility, space control, space domain awareness, or missile defense systems
• Technical degree (B.S. or higher) in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Experience with early-stage or high-growth aerospace companies

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here. Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

About Impulse Space

Impulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.

Our Hiring Process

Stage 1: Application Received

Stage 2: Resume Review

Stage 3: Intro Phone Interview

Stage 4: Technical Phone Interview(s)

Stage 5: Onsite Interview

Stage 6: Offer!

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