Global Defense Capture Lead

Vardaspace; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 215,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation support

Stock options

401(k) plan

Discretionary incentives

Gym/Wellness stipend

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is seeking an International Capture Director, based on-site in Huntsville, AL, to lead end-to-end capture efforts for international defense opportunities. You will guide cross-border campaigns, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive growth in the global defense and space domains.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in international capture within aerospace/defense, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of ITAR/EAR, with the ability to travel 35–50% and hold US citizenship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international business/marketing, Engineering, Science, Global Affairs, or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of dedicated capture management or business development in international aerospace/defense tech.
• Proventrack record leading end-to-end international captures via FMS or DCS.
• Demonstrated experience with ITAR/EAR export control compliance and cross-border transfers.
• Experience directing matrixed proposal teams including engineering, pricing, legal, and compliance.
• Exceptional written skills for white papers, executive summaries, and technical proposals.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance (or fast-track ability).

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and capture high-value international defense solicitations across governments and aerospace entities.
• Own international proposals from handoff gate through negotiation and closure, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Apply ITAR/EAR expertise to structure compliant international testbeds and pursuits.
• Partner with Mission Management to execute global keep-sold strategies with existing accounts.
• Conduct global go/no-go gate reviews evaluating alignment, geopolitics, competition, and ROI.
• Analyze defense budgets, procurement cycles, and geopolitical landscapes to map programs.
• Coordinate with engineering, pricing, legal, and compliance to translate specs into winning proposals.
• Engage high-level stakeholders across governments, military attaches, embassies, and industry leaders.
• Represent Varda at international defense conferences and air shows to expand footprint.

Skills

Global Opportunity Management

Lifecycle Ownership

Export & Regulatory Compliance

Cross-functional Leadership

Communication

Security Clearance (TS/SCI)

Travel Availability

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in international business/marketing, Engineering, Science, Global Affairs, or related technical discipline

Job description

Varda Space Industries is seeking an International Capture Director, based on-site in Huntsville, AL, to lead end-to-end capture efforts for international defense opportunities. You will guide cross-border campaigns, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive growth in the global defense and space domains.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in international capture within aerospace/defense, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of ITAR/EAR, with the ability to travel 35–50% and hold US citizenship.