Business Development Director

vigilant; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile team environment

Direct work with founders and engineers

Impact on national security and tech advancement

Job summary

A fast-growing technical services firm in Seattle is seeking a Business Development Director to lead outreach and growth efforts. This hybrid role involves developing marketing strategies for dual-use hardware companies and managing the sales cycle. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in business development within the hardware or defense sectors, exceptional communication skills, and a strategic mindset to drive expansion efforts. Join a dynamic team to impact national security and commercial tech advancement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in business development, sales, or marketing—preferably in hardware, robotics, or defense tech.
• Proven success in developing strategic relationships and closing complex service deals.
• Strong understanding of dual-use markets and the startup/OEM landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a localized marketing strategy for dual-use hardware companies in the Pacific Northwest.
• Build strategic relationships and drive service engagements.
• Own the full sales cycle—from lead generation to proposal development and contract close.

Skills

Business development experience

Sales skills

Marketing strategy

Communication skills

Project planning

Interpersonal skills

Job description

direct-hire only for now, no recruiters please.

About Vigilant.Engineering

vigilant .engineering is a fast-growing technical services firm specializing in dual-use hardware innovation—serving both defense and commercial sectors. We partner with startups and OEMs to accelerate product development, deliver engineering excellence, and unlock strategic growth opportunities.

Role Overview

We’re seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Business Development Director to lead outreach and growth efforts across the Pacific Northwest and nationally. This hybrid role blends local marketing strategy with national sales execution, targeting dual-use hardware companies—from emerging startups to established OEMs. You’ll be responsible for developing and executing a regional marketing plan, building strategic relationships, and driving service engagements that fuel our expansion.

Principal Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a localized marketing strategy for dual-use hardware companies in the Pacific Northwest.
• Create outreach programs and marketing collateral (with guidance from the management team).
• Represent vigilant .engineering at regional industry events, trade shows, and networking forums.
• Build brand awareness and thought leadership in the Seattle-area innovation ecosystem.
• Identify and prioritize strategic OEM targets for large-scale engineering service deals.
• Own the full sales cycle—from lead generation to proposal development and contract close.
• Collaborate with technical teams to scope and position Vigilant’s capabilities effectively.
• Maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities across defense and commercial sectors.

• Work closely with leadership to align outreach and sales efforts with company growth goals.
• Provide market intelligence and feedback to inform service offerings and positioning.
• Help shape Vigilant’s dual-use value proposition and go-to-market strategy.
• Successfully manage the relationship with clients, partners, vendors and all program stakeholders.
• Interact with internal and external customers as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in business development, sales, or marketing—preferably in hardware, robotics, or defense tech.
• Proven success in developing strategic relationships and closing complex service deals.
• Strong understanding of dual-use markets and the startup/OEM landscape.
• Self-starter with excellent communication, organizational, and execution skills.
• Comfortable operating in a lean, fast-paced, and mission-driven environment.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize and support multiple competing tasks
• Effective interpersonal communication skills both internally and with outside clients
• Project planning, monitoring, and reporting skills
• Familiar with best practices and structured product development process
• Consulting experience
• Ability to meet vigilant .engineering, customer and/or government security screening and background check requirements are required for this role.
• Due to contractual obligations with the U.S. government, this position requires the candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) as defined by applicable federal regulations.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a small, agile team shaping the future of dual-use innovation.
• Work directly with visionary founders, engineers, and operators.
• Make a tangible impact on national security and commercial tech advancement.

Vigilant Engineering, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Seniority Level

Senior IC to Director

Industries

Engineering Services, Computers and Electronics Manufacturing, Defense and Space Manufacturing

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Functions

Consulting, Business Development, Sales, Marketing, Strategy Development, SEO