Director of Business Development

OKSI; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

OKSI seeks a Director of Business Development to drive growth and shape strategic initiatives with a focus on National Defense. You will lead relationship building with government entities, align OKSI’s technologies to customer needs, and pursue new opportunities in defense programs.

Responsibilities include developing sales strategies, managing deals, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure solutions meet customer requirements and funding goals.

Qualifications

• Independent work style with clear communication
• Strong time management and prioritization
• Ability to follow policies and procedures
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Willingness to take on additional duties
• Collaborative work across cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with National Defense Strategy.
• Engage with government entities and defense stakeholders to identify opportunities.
• Monitor market trends and identify new program opportunities in defense sectors.
• Manage sales activities, including reports, quotes, and funding vehicle identification.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align offerings with market needs.

Skills

Independent worker

Clear communicator

Time management

Policy compliance

Punctuality

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, science, or engineering

Job description

Description

About OKSI

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds EO/IR sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation technology that give warfighters a decisive edge. We're a small, fast-moving team where your work reaches the field in months, not years.

The Role

The Director of Business Development will lead the charge in driving growth and developing strategic initiatives to align OKSI's cutting-edge technologies with customer needs and the National Defense Strategy. By leveraging deep understanding of defense markets and technologies, they will foster relationships with key stakeholders, identify and pursue new opportunities, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Growth: Develop and execute sales strategies that integrate OKSI’s technologies into the National Defense Strategy. Create tailored solutions in response to evolving market needs and trends.
• Customer Engagement: Build and sustain long-term customer relationships with a focus on National Defense and government entities. Understand and anticipate customer needs, even when not explicitly articulated, across domains like hyper sonics, autonomy, missile defense, and more.
• Market Analysis & Program Development: Monitor and analyze market trends, gather competitive intelligence, and identify emerging program opportunities. Help structure and expand new program developments.
• Sales Operations: Manage all sales activity, including generating reports, quotes, and identifying funding vehicles. Engage in deal strategy and negotiations to ensure optimal outcomes for the company.
• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with internal teams to align product offerings with market demands and operational goals.

Skills

• Works independently while maintaining clear communication with team members and supervisors.
• Communicates honestly and reliably with colleagues, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Manages time effectively to complete tasks on schedule and minimize delays.
• Follows all company policies and procedures to support a safe and positive work environment.
• Maintains consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Performs additional duties as assigned or as needed to support the team.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, science, or engineering.
• Prior sales experience with a strong understanding of military and defense needs.
• Deep knowledge of warfighter requirements and an ability to align these with OKSI’s technologies.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong emphasis on interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized and capable of managing competing priorities with ease.
• Self-starter and motivated to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Understanding of basic business financial concepts and budget management.
• Proficiency in CRM tools and data-driven customer relationship management.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills for problem-solving and solution development.
• Familiarity with munitions, armaments, and weapon systems.
• Willingness & ability to travel as needed.
• Experience with government programs in sales, development, or operations.
• Working knowledge of government contracts and procurement processes.