Business Development and Proposal Lead - Space & Defense Startup

Approach Venture; Los Angeles (CA); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative consulting firm is seeking a Business Development & Proposal Lead to drive growth in the aerospace and defense sectors. In this fully remote role, you will lead proposal efforts for critical government contracts, collaborate with visionary startup founders, and influence product strategies that shape national security and space exploration. Your expertise in business development and proposal writing will directly impact the success of cutting-edge companies. Join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering innovation and securing pivotal funding for startups, while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment that values resilience and strategic thinking.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Remote Work

Qualifications

• 5+ years in business development and proposal writing in aerospace and defense.
• Proven success with SBIR Phase I & II, D2P2, and NASA contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead proposal development for SBIR and NASA opportunities.
• Drive business development initiatives in government and commercial sectors.
• Develop strategic roadmaps with startup founders for market entry.

Skills

Business Development

Proposal Writing

Government Contracts

Market Strategy

Networking

Negotiation

Team Sports Experience

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Business Intelligence Tools

Job description

Business Development and Proposal Lead - Space & Defense Startup Consulting

Opportunity Summary

Approach Venture partners closely with startups in aerospace, defense, and commercial space sectors to accelerate growth, win pivotal contracts, and enhance market visibility. We’re seeking a driven Business Development & Proposal Lead with expertise in developing compelling proposals for SBIR Phase I, Phase II, Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2), and NASA opportunities. In this role, you’ll secure strategic partnerships, influence product strategies, and support visionary founders through impactful government and commercial initiatives. Join us to directly shape the trajectory of cutting-edge companies advancing national security and pioneering space innovation.

About Us

Approach Venture is a boutique consulting firm dedicated to empowering aerospace, defense, and commercial space startups. We specialize in securing critical funding, winning government contracts, and assembling elite technical and leadership teams. Our portfolio companies operate at the forefront of satellite communications, defense programs, space launch initiatives, and advanced technology solutions.

Job Duties

• Lead proposal development efforts for SBIR Phase I, Phase II, D2P2, NASA solicitations, and commercial opportunities, including capture strategy formulation and execution.
• Drive comprehensive business development initiatives targeting government defense, space launch, and commercial satellite markets.
• Develop strategic roadmaps in collaboration with startup founders, guiding product positioning and market entry strategies.
• Secure critical documentation including commercial/government letters of support, customer MOUs, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).
• Expand and nurture a robust professional network across government, civil, and commercial sectors, engaging stakeholders from executive leadership to technical specialists.
• Coordinate strategic communication activities including press releases and public announcements to amplify startup visibility.
• Support due diligence processes for venture capital investors, showcasing client traction, market position, and growth potential.
• Utilize advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and business intelligence tools to deliver persuasive presentations, comprehensive analyses, and high-quality reports.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven business development and proposal writing experience within aerospace, defense contracting, or commercial space domains.
• Demonstrated success securing SBIR Phase I & II, D2P2, NASA contracts, and other significant government and commercial opportunities.
• Direct experience in leadership roles with two or more aerospace and defense startups.
• Extensive industry network, with established relationships at various organizational levels across government and commercial sectors.
• Solid experience assisting startups with enhancing market presence, strategic marketing, and investor relations.
• Deep knowledge of government procurement cycles, contracting processes, and negotiation strategies.
• Proven record of successfully navigating venture capital due diligence, demonstrating business traction and scalability.
• Competitive athletic or team sports experience, highlighting resilience, strategic thinking, and collaborative excellence.

Why Join Us?

• Fully remote role.
• Significant influence on cutting-edge companies shaping national security and space exploration.
• Opportunity to collaborate directly with innovative startup founders and visionary leadership teams.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A dynamic, fast-paced environment dedicated to driving transformative aerospace and defense innovation.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Business Development, Sales, and Consulting

Industries

Business Consulting and Services, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Space Research and Technology