Director, Business Development - Innovative Solutions

Dormont Manufacturing Co; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive pay based on performance

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Life insurance

3 weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation seeks a Director of Business Development for the i3 and Data Solutions portfolio in Herndon, Virginia. This role will focus on leading growth initiatives across commercial satellites and emerging technologies, identifying new business opportunities, and engaging customers across various sectors.

The ideal candidate will have extensive business development experience, a robust understanding of government acquisition processes, and a strong background in the commercial satellite market, along with an active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• 13+ years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field.
• Active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance.
• Demonstrated experience in the commercial satellite market.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development strategy and execution for the iDS portfolio.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships with IC Service intel elements.
• Oversee full‑lifecycle capture activities from opportunity identification through proposal submission.

Skills

Business development

Sales experience

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary

As Director of Business Development for the i3 and Data Solutions (iDS) portfolio, you will lead growth initiatives across our Vindler commercial satellite, Intel Lakehouse, and emerging technology product lines. In this role, you will identify and qualify new business opportunities, develop and execute capture strategies, and engage customers across the intelligence community, defense agencies, and the commercial space sector. Your success will depend on strong familiarity with the commercial RF satellite market, customer mission needs, and government acquisition pathways.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development strategy and execution for the iDS portfolio, focusing on Vindler commercial RF satellites and Intel Lakehouse offerings.
• Utilize RFP portals to identify, shape, and pursue high‑value opportunities within the intelligence community and commercial space markets.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships with IC Service intel elements and relevant mission partners.
• Represent the iDS portfolio at industry events, trade shows, and classified forums.
• Oversee full‑lifecycle capture activities from opportunity identification through proposal submission.
• Conduct detailed assessments of commercial satellite trends, customer needs, competitive solutions, and market positioning.
• Develop and present customer‑focused messaging, technology roadmaps, and win strategies aligned to iDS objectives.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams (engineering, program management, finance, strategy) to develop technically sound and competitive offerings.
• Provide accurate pipeline reporting, forecasts, and competitive intelligence to senior leadership.
• Manage a BD team and mentor capture personnel supporting the iDS portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field.
• 13+ years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field (minimum 17 years of related experience if no degree).
• Active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance.
• Thorough knowledge of business development, capture management, program management, acquisition processes, opportunity identification, and qualification.
• Demonstrated experience in the commercial satellite market, including familiarity with Radio Frequency Data, payloads, buses, ground systems, or constellation operations.
• Active relationships or demonstrated access within the intelligence community.
• Experience developing and executing capture plans for complex technical offerings.
• Strong understanding of U.S. Government acquisition processes, IC customer buying behaviors, and space‑related procurement.
• Proven ability to work with senior leadership and government decision‑makers.
• Working knowledge and experience with engineering support acquisition organizations.
• Experience developing account plans and capture plans for new business opportunities.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, U.S. Department of Defense (Civilian), Foreign Military Sales, and/or U.S. Military.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced satellite technologies, commercial space architectures, or hybrid‑space solutions.
• Experience engaging with commercial satellite customers, integrators, and mission data users.
• Understanding of cloud‑native data architectures, data fusion, and analytics concepts.
• Previous leadership of cross‑functional capture teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and executive‑level presentation skills.
• Ability to translate customer needs into technical requirements and product roadmaps.
• Knowledge of DoD and IC budgeting, PPBE cycles, and multi‑year investment planning.

Essential Functions

• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Regular use of hand/finger dexterity for typing and writing.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Capability to work in an office or hybrid environment.

Benefits

Annual incentive pay based on performance; 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%; life insurance; 3 weeks paid time off; tuition reimbursement; medical, dental, and vision plans; and additional benefits.

Security Clearance

Active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required. U.S. citizenship status is required; non‑U.S. citizens are generally ineligible for a security clearance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected classes.