Business Development Director SOCOM

edgeautonomy-careers; United States; Remote; USD 181,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, vision, dental insurance

Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disabilit

HSA and FSA Options

Critical Care Plan

ESPP

Job summary

Redwire Defense Tech seeks a high-impact Business Development leader to drive long-range growth in UAS and EO/IR gimbals for SOCOM customers. You will shape capture strategy, manage senior-level relationships, and orchestrate cross-functional teams to win major USG solicitations.

The role requires deep defense market knowledge, a proven track record of winning DoD contracts, and the ability to lead complex proposals and partnerships across military and industry players.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of technical business development in DoD/US military UAS or payloads.
• Track record of winning USSOCOM or DoD contracts.
• Experience writing responses to RFIs, RFPs, OTAs and Market Research.
• Strong understanding of defense/military UAS and imaging payloads.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute growth strategies aligned with SOCOM priorities.
• Drive opportunities, manage CRM pipelines, and report to senior management.
• Coordinate executive relationships across SOCOM offices and industry partners.
• Lead initial project management for new accounts before handing to PM.
• Lead proposal responses to government solicitations and provide BOE inputs.
• Ensure understanding of customer technical needs and coordinate with engineering.
• Establish teaming arrangements to win large defense solicitations.
• Provide market insights and competitive analysis for go-to-market strategy.
• Plan product showcases, field demos, and travel to SOCOM sites.

Skills

Business development

Government contracting

Sales leadership

Proposal writing

Strategic partnerships

CRM (Salesforce)

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Tools

Salesforce

GOVWIN

SAM.gov

VULCAN

Job description

WORK LOCATION: Remote

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $180,900 - $252,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY

Redwire Defense Tech is actively seeking a Business Development professional for our Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Gimbals product lines to drive growth across long-range surveillance and tactical mission platforms. This role leads corporate growth, customer engagement, and strategic capture across USSOCOM Headquarters, Component Commands (USASOC, AFSOC, NAVSPECWARCOM, MARSOC), and Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs).

Operating in a high-growth, fast-paced environment, the Director bridges business development, strategy, and initial project management to win key USG solicitations, orchestrate executive-level relationships, and transition programmatic execution to dedicated team leads. The position reports directly to the Vice President, Business Development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Develop and execute business growth strategies and account plans aligned with SOCOM operational priorities, capability gaps, and long-range surveillance requirements.
• Drive, shape, pursue, and close opportunities; manage sales funnel records and project pipelines within the corporate CRM; and present weekly updates to senior management.
• Orchestrate executive-level relationships across SOCOM program offices, PEOs, requirement directorates, operational units, and key industry partners.
• Act as the initial project manager for newly developed accounts and awarded contracts prior to transitioning leadership to the designated Program Manager.
• Lead proposal responses to government solicitations (RFIs, Market Research, RFPs, OTAs), shaping win strategies, interpreting requirements, and providing Basis of Estimate (BOE) inputs in coordination with engineering, supply chain, and pricing teams.
• Maintain a deep understanding of customer technical needs—specifically regarding UAS platforms, imaging/gimbal solutions, and mission payloads—working closely with engineering and marketing teams to deliver solutions.
• Establish and nurture teaming arrangements and industry partnerships to fill capability gaps and win large-scale defense solicitations.
• Provide market insight and competitive analysis regarding upcoming SOCOM procurements, unfunded requirements, and market trends to guide product and go-to-market strategies.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute product showcases, field evaluations, and flight demonstrations with SOCOM operational teams and end-users.
• Travel as necessary (30%+) for customer site visits, trade shows, field demonstrations, and operational support.
• Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• Bachelor's degree in an area with at least 8-10 years of progressive association experience and/or managing the business development/marketing function OR a Master's degree in Business, Marketing, MBA or related field and 5+ years of related work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years' technical business development experience supporting military UAS, gimbal, or electro-optical/imaging requirements with a proven track record of revenue growth.
• Previous experience in winning key USSOCOM or US Army/DoD contracts supporting UAS and payload requirements.
• Proven experience sculpting, writing, and submitting responses to government solicitations such as RFIs, Market Research, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), OTAs, etc.
• Strong technical understanding of commercial and defense/military UAS, mission payloads, and imaging/gimbal solutions.
• Proven ability to drive and close contract negotiations and manage teaming arrangements with industry partners.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills tailored to senior military and defense civilian leadership.
• Domestic and international travel is required and could exceed 30%. Passport required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of direct engagement experience with USSOCOM Headquarters, Component Commands (USASOC, AFSOC, NAVSPECWARCOM, MARSOC), or TSOCs.
• Previous military and/or government civilian experience supporting USSOCOM or Special Operations Forces requirements.
• Experience utilizing SAM.gov, VULCAN, GOVWIN, Salesforce and other CRM resources and tools.
• Shipley Capture/Proposal Management certification or equivalent formal sales framework training.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.