Business Development Director, U.S. Navy & U.S. Marine Corps

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

Extensive benefits including HSA/FSA

Job summary

Firestorm is seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager in San Diego, CA to drive engagement with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

You will shape strategy, influence cross‑functional teams, and lead capture across the DoN lifecycle, including partnering with operations, engineering, and senior leaders. You will manage market analyses, identify opportunities, and position Firestorm early in procurement cycles while traveling up to 30–50% and representing the company at industry events and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 10+ years of federal BD experience.
• Active Secret clearance at hire; U.S. Citizenship due to ITAR regulations.
• Experience capturing and growing DoW services contracts and IDIQs.
• Understanding DoW acquisition, contracting processes, and federal procurement trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Navy/Marine Corps engagement strategy to identify new business.
• Lead market analysis focused on Navy, Marine Corps, and joint customers for strategic pursuits.
• Capture management across RFI/RFP, proposal, and award stages for DoN programs.
• Build relationships with DoW, DON, national intelligence agencies, and industry partners.
• Navigate DoW budget cycles and acquisition processes to position Firestorm early in procurement.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Public speaking / presentations

Negotiation

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Finance or equivalent education

10+ years of progressive relevant experience in lieu of degree

Job description

Firestorm is looking for a dynamic, mission-aligned Business Development Manager to drive our engagement with the U.S. Navy & U.S. Marine Corps. In this role, you will shape strategy, forge relationships, and identify opportunities where Firestorm’s cutting-edge systems can close critical capability gaps. You will excel at collaborating with and influencing diverse cross-functional Navy & Marine Corps stakeholders and navigating opportunities across the Department of Navy (DoN). You are an entrepreneurial self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, small business setting, and can confidently influence peers and senior colleagues while contributing across the entire business development, capture, and proposal development lifecycle. In addition, you’ll operate at the intersection of defense acquisition, operational planning, and advanced technology delivery—bridging customer need and product innovation.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement Firestorm’s Navy and Marine Corps engagement strategy, including outreach to operational units, program offices and platform integrators—to identify and qualify new business and drive long-term growth.
• Lead market and opportunity analysis focused on Navy, Marine Corps, and joint customers to inform strategic pursuits.
• Identify and qualify new business opportunities that align with Firestorm’s capability roadmap and growth strategy.
• Capture Management. Identify, qualify, and capture opportunities pertaining to contested logistics and sUAS — from understanding, shaping, and via the RFI/RFP, proposal, and award stages.
• Build and manage strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers across the DoW, DON, national intelligence agencies, and industry partners.
• Navigate DoW budget cycles and acquisition processes to strategically position Firestorm early in the procurement lifecycle.
• Guide competitive positioning, shape teaming strategies, and oversee development of compliant, compelling proposals for DoN programs.
• Lead and manage complex sales and capture cycles from initial engagement through contract award.
• Represent Firestorm at key industry events, conferences, tradeshows, and customer engagements to expand visibility and relationships.
• Translate complex technical capabilities into mission-relevant, operational use cases and value propositions for diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and cross-functional teams to shape offerings aligned with customer mission needs.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations and federal procurement standards throughout the capture process.
• Maintain accurate business development documentation, including capture plans, activity logs, and CRM records.
• Track and report on business development, performance metrics and pipeline health, providing strategic insights to leadership.
• Continuously monitor emerging customer needs and evolving market dynamics through direct engagement and research.
• Draft Executive communications, develop proposals, capability briefs, white papers, talking points that drive senior leader decision making.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Finance or equivalent education. In lieu of a degree 10+ years of progressive relevant experience is required.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance
• Active Secret clearance at hire required.
• 8+ years of experience in federal business development, with direct experience in the Navy, USMC or DoW sector.
• 5+ years of direct experience working & engaging within aerospace and defense, or government services, executing all aspects of business development including pipeline management.
• Experience capturing and growing DoW services contracts, including IDIQs, GWACs, and/or task orders.
• Experience in developing win strategies, shaping opportunities, supporting pricing, and leading proposals.
• Understanding of DoW acquisition, contracting processes, and federal procurement trends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with DoW, DoN acquisition offices or operational Navy/USMC commands, either as a civilian or military service member.
• Experience with DoN program offices & operational commands.
• Demonstrated success leading or influencing cross-functional teams in matrixed organizations.
• Experience advising or integrating technology, materials, or engineering solutions into naval systems.
• Strong competitor analysis skills and the ability to anticipate market behavior and model competitor strategies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and budget management capabilities.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented and results-driven, to achieve business objectives.

Work Environment

• Position is based in San Diego CA. at Headquarters
• We welcome candidates who are open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package if appropriate.
• Willingness and ability to travel 30–50% of the time, including occasional OCONUS to forward-deployed customers.

About The Company

Firestorm grew out of a simple question: How does a U.S. ally with a relatively limited defense budget deter a near-peer aggressor with vastly larger resources?

We are building the answer to that question through expeditionary manufacturing, affordable mass, and mission-adaptable autonomous systems designed for contested environments. Firestorm is a venture-backed defense technology company developing modular unmanned systems and deployable manufacturing capabilities that enable operators to Print-Build-Fly combat capability at the tactical edge.

As Firestorm scales beyond Series B, we are seeking a Vice President of Business Development with operational credibility, strategic vision, and deep experience navigating Department of War acquisition, operational end users, strategic partnerships, and growth-stage defense technology scaling.

Compensation

• Base salary: $160,000 -$190,000 base, commensurate with experience
• Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Equity grants for new hires
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including holiday hiatuses in July & December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.

Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [e-mail] so we can provide the support you need.