Global Defense Business Development Director

AeroVironment, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Director of Business Development for Government and Defense to lead domestic and international growth strategies, capture planning, and proposal execution.

You will build trusted customer relationships, guide cross-functional teams, and coordinate with Finance and Engineering to ensure compliant, winning solutions. The role requires 10+ years in BD with defense/maritime tech, and active collaboration with USSOCOM/DoD customers.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive business development experience with increasing levels of responsibility, preferably in defense or related autonomous/marine tech.
• Prior Naval Special Operations or similar highly tactical background with SNCO/Field Grade level experience is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field with relevant ROV/Autonomous Vehicle experience.
• Extensive experience developing winning proposals and contracts with DoD/USSOCOM or equivalent international defense customers.
• Strong ability to translate customer requirements into executable solutions for key accounts.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities in U.S. and international markets.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers at all levels.
• Develop capture plans with clear win strategies and lead full proposal lifecycle.
• Perform market research and competitive assessments to refine AV positioning.
• Collaborate with leadership to align technology needs with funding sources and manage budgets.
• Travel domestically and internationally up to 50% to nurture relationships.
• Mentor and manage junior staff and support marketing collateral development.

Skills

Business development

Navy/DoD experience

Proposal development

CRM tools

USG acquisition knowledge

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Engineering

Tools

Salesforce

HubSpot

CRM tools

Job description

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Director of Business Development for Government and Defense to lead domestic and international growth strategies, capture planning, and proposal execution.

You will build trusted customer relationships, guide cross-functional teams, and coordinate with Finance and Engineering to ensure compliant, winning solutions. The role requires 10+ years in BD with defense/maritime tech, and active collaboration with USSOCOM/DoD customers.