Chief of Staff

Hanwha Defense USA, Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Defense USA, Inc. invites applications for Chief of Staff to the EVP, Missiles. The role drives efficiency and growth in the U.S. defense missiles market, coordinating with DOW and industry partners to shape winning proposals and strategic initiatives.

The job requires 10+ years in defense business development, strong program and financial acumen, and the ability to brief senior leaders. Occasional travel domestic and international; SECRET clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in U.S. defense business development or missile-related roles.
• Experience with international business and cross-cultural deliverables.
• Ability to obtain SECRET clearance.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Experience with merger & acquisition / corporate development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead HQ internal products for the business unit.
• Support growth strategy deployment with organizational excellence.
• Cultivate relationships with government decision-makers and primes.
• Support development of partnerships and teaming agreements for U.S. bids.
• Collaborate with engineering, legal, finance to develop compliant proposals.
• Monitor U.S. defense spending, acquisitions, and program priorities.
• Represent Hanwha at defense events to expand presence.
• Brief senior leadership on opportunity status and risks.

Skills

Defense industry experience

Security clearance (SECRET)

Strategic partnerships

Proposal development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering/Defense Acquisition

MBA or DAWIA/Defense Acquisition cert

Tools

CRM

MS Office

Financial analysis

Job description

Location: Rosslyn, VA (on-site with extensive travel both domestically and internationally)

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chief of Staff to the EVP, Missiles will drive efficiency within the team to expand our presence in the U.S. defense missiles market, driving strategic growth initiatives and form key relationships across the U.S. Department of War (DOW), and industry. As a U.S.-based defense company with the strength of a global parent organization, we are seeking a seasoned professional who can support the team with expertise in a wide range of business operational capabilities and organizational efficiency. The ideal candidate must absorb a high volume of inputs and return distilled recommendations - converting a high flow of inbound opportunities, live deals, headquarters requests, and competing priorities into a focused agenda, decision-ready cases, and efforts driven toward closure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the business unit's lead for all headquarters' internal products.
• Support team's growth strategy deployment by utilizing world-class organizational skills.
• Foster and maintain trusted relationships with key government decision-makers, primes and integrators to position the company as a credible, capable, and trusted partner.
• Support development of strategic partnerships and teaming agreements to enhance competitiveness in U.S. bids.
• Collaborate with internal functional teams (engineering, legal, compliance, program management, and finance) to develop and submit compliant, compelling proposals.
• Monitor and assess U.S. defense spending trends, acquisition strategies, and program priorities relevant to the missiles domain.
• Represent the company at relevant defense trade shows, industry events, and technical forums to promote capabilities and expand industry presence.
• Provide regular briefings to senior leadership on opportunity status, customer developments, and strategic risks.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of relevant experience in U.S. defense business development, DOW acquisition, or missile-related government/industry roles.
• Significant experience with international business and cross-cultural deliverables
• A "self-starter" who has outstanding communication and organizational skills
• Prior military or civilian DOW service strongly preferred; experience working with or within DOW R&D or acquisition communities is a plus.
• Must be able to obtain a SECRET level Security Clearance
• Experience with financial analysis and support of merger & acquisition / corporate development efforts.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Defense Acquisition, or related fields. Advanced Degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) or DAWIA/Defense Acquisition certification preferred.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

• Expertise in the U.S. defense acquisition system and ability to navigate complex program requirements.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of competitive dynamics in the defense sector.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to brief senior leaders across internal and external stakeholders.
• Fast learner who can quickly adapt in high-pressure aerospace & defense market.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and common business development platforms (CRM, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

Normal amount of sitting or standing, average mobility to move around an office environment, able to conduct normal amount of work at a computer. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Ability to travel domestically (60%) and occasionally international (10%) required.

Hanwha Defense USA is committed to pay transparency and equitable compensation practices. The salary range listed for this position represents a good faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant skills/experience, education and certifications, market conditions, geographic location and internal pay equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for discretionary annual bonuses, benefits, and other forms of compensation as part of Hanwha Defense USA's total rewards package.

Hanwha Defense USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.