Chief of Staff

Hanwha Defense USA, Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Defense USA, Inc. in Arlington, VA seeks a seasoned Chief of Staff to the EVP, Missiles to drive efficiency and expand our presence in the U.S. defense missiles market.

You will distill a high volume of inputs into decision-ready cases and coordinate across internal teams to prioritize opportunities and deliver results. The role requires 10+ years in U.S. defense business development or related roles, strong communication, and the ability to travel.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in U.S. defense business development or related roles.
• Experience with international business and cross-cultural deliverables.
• Self-starter with outstanding communication and organizational skills.
• Prior military or civilian DoD service preferred; DaWIA/ Acquisition experience a plus.
• Ability to obtain SECRET level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the business unit’s headquarters internal products.
• Support growth strategy deployment with strong organizational skills.
• Build and maintain relationships with government decision-makers and primes.
• Develop strategic partnerships and teaming agreements for U.S. bids.
• Collaborate with engineering, legal, compliance, PM, and finance on compliant proposals.
• Monitor U.S. defense spending trends and program priorities in missiles.
• Represent Hanwha at defense events to promote capabilities.
• Brief senior leadership on opportunity status and strategic risks.

Skills

Defense business development

DOW acquisition

Cross‑cultural delivery

Communication

Organizational skills

Security clearance (SECRET)

Merger & acquisition support

Proposal development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/engineering/defense

MBA or DAWIA/Defense Acquisition cert preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.