Head of Business Development – Defense

Shape How Next-Generation Weapons Systems Get Built

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Work Type: In-Person / Hybrid

Compensation: $250K – $320K + upside

COMPANY PROFILE

• Most defense companies are focused on building better products.
• This team is tackling something bigger—fixing how those products get built in the first place.
• They’ve developed a fundamentally different manufacturing model—AI-driven, flexible production environments that turn digital designs into precision-formed metal structures at speed. The result: compressed timelines, fewer bottlenecks, and a faster path from concept to production.
• This isn’t theoretical. The approach is already gaining traction with serious players across defense and advanced systems.
• For emerging programs, they partner through structured, long-term production engagements—helping customers scale without the traditional manufacturing constraints that slow innovation.
• The mission is straightforward: remove manufacturing as the bottleneck to national security innovation.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Let’s be clear—this is not a “respond to RFPs and chase pipeline” role.

This is about getting in the room early enough to shape the program before it exists.

You’ll be working at the level where:

• Requirements are still being defined
• Funding pathways are still being shaped
• And the question is who will enable production at scale

If you’ve spent time inside DoD or around primes, you know—that’s where the real leverage is.

ROLE YOU WILL PLAY

This is a strategic growth role focused on influence, access, and program creation.

What You’ll Actually Be Doing

Build Access Where It Matters

• Leverage your network to get in front of senior decision-makers across DoD acquisition organizations and key primes
• Specifically across cruise missiles, hypersonics, loitering UAS, and advanced strike programs
• Engage at the PAE level (e.g., USAF Weapons, Army Fires) and OUSD

Educate & Shape Demand

• Position a manufacturing capability—not a product
• Help stakeholders understand how this model changes timelines, scalability, and program success
• Influence how programs think about production before they’re locked in

Create Opportunities (Not Chase Them)

• Drive new program pathways, not just respond to existing ones
• Help architect solutions like:
• Edge factories as a service
• Dedicated production partnerships
• Public-private manufacturing models

Turn Strategy into Programs of Record

• Work opportunities from early concept → feasibility → qualification → production
• Align internal and external stakeholders to convert interest into funded programs

Be the Tip of the Spear

• Represent the company at the highest levels across defense
• Operate as a trusted partner—not a vendor

BACKGROUND PROFILE

This role is built for someone who already knows how the system works—and has the network to prove it.

What You Bring

• 10+ years in defense BD, capture, or program leadership
• Deep relationships across DoD acquisition and/or prime contractors
• Direct exposure to strike systems, missiles, hypersonics, UAV/UAS, or similar platforms
• Experience operating at the PAE / Program Office / OUSD level
• Proven ability to influence long-cycle, high-value programs before they’re formalized

Critical Traits

• You think like a strategist, not a salesperson
• You know how to open doors that aren’t publicly available
• You’re comfortable operating without a defined playbook
• You can hold your own with senior government and industry leaders

Other Requirements

• Technical foundation (Engineering or similar)
• Active Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain Top Secret)
• Travel ~25-50%