Business Development Manager - Aerospace

Applus+ Laboratories; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary + commission

Full benefits package

401(k) with company match

Opportunities to grow

Job summary

A leading testing and inspection company is seeking a Business Development Manager for a hybrid, national role focused on the aerospace and defense sectors. The ideal candidate will drive strategic growth through customer acquisition and vendor approval processes, acting as both a trusted advisor and technical expert. Applicants should possess over 10 years of business development experience, with a strong understanding of NDT. Competitive salary, commission, and benefits offered, with opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in business development or sales, preferably in the aerospace, defense, or TIC industry.
• Solid understanding of NDT and related technical services.
• Experience working in or selling to aerospace and defense companies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the vendor approval process for aerospace and defense customers.
• Build and strengthen procurement relationships to maximize cross-selling of services.
• Act as a technical resource during initial customer engagement.

Skills

Business development experience

Strong interpersonal skills

Technical solution articulation

Knowledge of vendor qualification processes

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

NDT certifications (MT, UT, EC)

ASNT Level II or III certification

Job description

Position Summary

Applus+ is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive strategic growth across the aerospace and defense sectors. This is a hybrid, national role for a self-motivated professional who can act as both a trusted advisor and a technical subject matter expert (SME). The successful candidate will lead customer acquisition, navigate vendor approval processes, and build deep, strategic relationships that enable Applus+ to expand its reach and relevance across high-value programs.

The role requires a candidate who can go beyond traditional sales. This individual must be able to translate technical customer requirements into actionable solutions, explain how Applus+ has delivered similar results, and instill confidence through both expertise and trust. You will also help customers navigate procurement systems, access new players, and identify emerging opportunities, especially in the government and defense sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the vendor approval process for aerospace and defense customers.
• Build and strengthen procurement relationships to maximize cross-selling of services (NDT, Material Testing, EMC, Environmental).
• Act as a technical resource during initial customer engagement, providing insight into Applus+ capabilities and past performance.
• Support multiple client accounts as a strategic access point and growth catalyst.
• Represent Applus+ as an SME by translating customer data into actionable, solution-oriented responses.
• Guide prospects through how Applus+ can solve their problems, supported by case studies and prior success stories.

Government & Defense Sector Focus

• Track DoD development opportunities and maintain familiarity with SAM.gov, SBIR, and other federal acquisition programs.
• Monitor procurement trends and pipeline activity in aerospace and defense sectors.
• Leverage experience in TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) businesses to align with client regulatory and compliance needs.
• Develop and execute growth strategies tailored to technical services in aerospace and defense.
• Identify, engage, and grow relationships with key industry players and government stakeholders.
• Conduct technical consultations, prepare proposals, and close deals involving complex service offerings.
• Continuously evaluate how to maximize the value of existing relationships through strategic account management.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• NDT certifications (MT, UT, EC) preferred; ASNT Level II or III certification highly desirable.

Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of experience in business development or sales, preferably in the aerospace, defense, or TIC industry.
• Solid understanding of NDT and related technical services.
• Experience working in or selling to aerospace and defense companies is strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of vendor qualification processes, procurement workflows, and federal contracting.
• Ability to articulate technical solutions clearly and confidently.
• Strong interpersonal skills; relationships matter more than technical knowledge alone.
• Strategic thinking, organizational awareness, and the ability to open new doors for Applus+ across multiple sectors.

Other Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen and legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Employment eligibility verification is required at the time of hire.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Willingness to travel extensively (up to 50 to 75%).

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary + commission + performance bonuses
• Full benefits package: medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid life and vision coverage
• Opportunities to grow within a globally recognized organization
• Supportive, team-oriented culture that values initiative and expertise