Senior Business Development Manager

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed. 

About the Team
Mission Solutions – The Platforms 
Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.

If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. 

About the Job
We are on the hunt for a passionate and results-oriented Senior Business Development Manager specializing in National Security/Intelligence to become a vital part of our team. As an essential member of the business development division in Umbra's newly formed Mission Solutions business group, you will significantly influence and drive the growth strategy for National Security/IC by uncovering new business prospects, nurturing and enhancing existing relationships within our customer base, expanding and managing the National Security/Intelligence Community pipeline, forging strategic alliances, and transforming opportunities into successful contract awards. Your primary focus will be on pre-RFP customer engagement and shaping new opportunities. Furthermore, you will serve as the foremost advocate for the customer, offering invaluable insights that will guide our internal development roadmaps and strategies for bids and capture.

Our aim is to hire this position in to work in Umbra's Arlington, VA office. However, we are open to considering Hybrid applicants located in the VA/DC/MD area.

Key Responsibilities 

• Manage the full lifecycle of the Mission Solutions sales pipeline, from opportunity identification to contract award.
• Oversee all business development efforts for National Security/IC pipeline
• Play a critical role in shaping Umbra Mission Solutions NatSec strategy
• Collaborate with capture and program management teams to support proposal development and strategy.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with Intelligence Community customers (ability to be a constant presence and known figure within the community)
• Build and expand partnership ecosystems to create additional sales opportunities.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate models of the global mission solutions market.
• Work closely with Umbra’s communications and marketing teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand visibility for Mission Solutions, including at industry events, through publications, and across social media platforms.
• Partner with the government affairs team to establish and strengthen relationships across the U.S. government, ensuring Umbra’s inclusion in defense, intelligence, and civil mission strategies, as well as fostering global partnerships to support export-approved programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years professional Business Development experience in the aerospace and defense industry, with a focus on space applications and missions.
• Proven experience in sales and business development related to remote sensing products or satellite technology.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance, read-in within the past two years, with ability to pass an SSBI.
• Bachelors Degree in STEM or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success in growing technology portfolios within the aerospace and defense sector.
• Existing relationships within the Intelligence Community (specifically NRO) at the working and executive levels to bring Umbra capabilities further into the IC domain
• Experience supporting or leading the capture of a wide range of U.S. Government programs, from early-stage opportunities to major acquisitions.
• Proven success in managing large, complex business development efforts and winning contracts in the government sector, including development programs.
• Ability to travel 25-50% of the time.
• Strong aptitude for understanding technical concepts and effectively communicating them to non-technical audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• A continuous learner who embraces uncertainty, takes calculated risks, and learns from challenges.
• Proactive and solution-oriented, consistently taking initiative to address important issues.
• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to engage and empathize with staff, colleagues, cross-functional teams, and customers.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with a nationally distributed team.
• Experience with multiple relevant U.S. Government or partner-nation space agencies and acquisition offices.

Desired Qualifications

• Candidates with existing SCI or equivalent clearances eligible to assist Umbra business development efforts are preferred

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free parking
• Free lunch in office daily

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. 

Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $170,000 - $230,000.