Business Development Manager (Defense) Flagstaff, Arizona, United States; Remote

Katalystspace; Flagstaff (AZ); Remote; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager to spearhead strategic opportunities in the space industry. This role involves collaborating closely with the CEO to convert warm leads into contracts, particularly focusing on US government clients. Ideal candidates will thrive in a fast-paced environment, tackling complex sales challenges while driving proposals and negotiations. The position offers an exciting opportunity to influence the future of satellite capabilities and contribute to groundbreaking projects. If you're ready to embrace challenges and make an impact, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Employee Stock Option Plan

Cash Bonuses for Closed Deals

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Vision and Dental Coverage

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Relocation Bonus

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in business development or government sales.
• Technical background in engineering or physics is essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with CEO on strategic accounts and convert leads to contracts.
• Drive proposal development and negotiate contracts.

Skills

Business Development

Account Management

Government Sales

Proposal Writing

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Physics

Job description

Katalyst Description:

At Katalyst we believe satellite owners and operators shouldn’t be stuck with outdated capabilities as they try to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. We are building the Upgrade Economy where satellites are reconfigured on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. We do this by adding new capabilities to satellites post-launch with in-space servicing, unlocking the ability to respond quickly in an unpredictable environment, open new revenue streams, and dispose of the single-use model.

You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:

• Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
• Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
• Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.

Role Description:

We’re looking for a sharp, execution-focused Business Development Manager to help close strategic opportunities already in motion. You’ll work closely with the founder/CEO to convert warm leads into signed contracts with a focus on US government. This role will focus on mission sets around Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and in-space services. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on taking deals across the finish line and understands the nuances of complex, technical sales.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the founder/CEO on strategic accounts
• Focused on mid-to-down funnel stage activities; Convert warm leads from CEO to closed contracts
• Drive proposal development, pricing strategy, and negotiation
• Interface with technical and program teams to align scope with delivery
• Support contract execution and handoff to delivery teams

Ideal Background

• 3–7 years’ experience in business development, account management, or government sales
• Technical background in engineering or physics
• Familiarity with space customers (e.g., DoD, NASA, satellite operators)
• Strong communication, proposal writing, and negotiation skills
• Bonus:
  • Experience with federal contracts, SBIR/STTRs, OTAs, or interfacing with program offices
  • IC background/experience

Additional Requirements:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:
The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 - $170,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible to receive cash bonuses for deals closed. Additional, long-term incentives include the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.