Business Development Manager

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission-critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

As Business Development Manager, Advanced Metallic Technologies, you will drive growth across advanced metal machining, assemblies, and integration capabilities within the Space and Launch market. You will build strategic customer relationships, lead business capture efforts, and collaborate across engineering, operations, contracts, and business development teams to deliver solutions that align customer needs with Karman’s manufacturing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Leads sales growth initiatives for advanced metallic technologies within the Space and Launch market.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for key customers and stakeholders, developing relationships that support customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Develops and executes product and market growth strategies that generate leads, proposals, bookings, new programs, and new customers.
• Develops capture strategies that incorporate price-to-win analysis, competitive intelligence, risk mitigation, and technical solutions.
• Collaborates with engineering, business development, and operations teams to develop long-term product roadmaps aligned with market trends and business objectives.
• Tracks sales performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) related to bookings, revenue, profit margin, and customer satisfaction.
• Manages customer relationship management (CRM) activities throughout the sales lifecycle to support effective opportunity conversion.
• Presents financial forecasts and market insights to leadership to support strategic decision-making.
• Supports customer negotiations involving pricing and delivery schedules while balancing profitability, competitiveness, and operational requirements.
• Represents Karman at industry conferences, events, and customer engagements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in related manufacturing technologies, including manufacturing operations and quoting.
• Five or more years of experience in a business development, sales leadership, or internal sales and quoting role.
• Five or more years of experience with manufacturing technologies for metallics and metallic assemblies.
• Five or more years of experience managing relationships with key prime contractors and customers in the aerospace and defense sectors.
• Understanding of geometric tolerances and the ability to read hardware drawings.
• Ability to present highly technical information to audiences of varying sizes.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Experience with one or more manufacturing methods, including five-axis precision machining, metal forming technologies, welding technologies, or thermal protection application.
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) and financial forecasting tools such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or Pipedrive.
• Knowledge of aerospace and defense standards and familiarity with industry certifications such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.

Special Mentions

• Frequent travel (more than 25%).

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD\&D insurance
• Short‑and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Salary Range

$150,000 - $170,000 USD

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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