Optics & Defense Business Development Executive

CFS; Portland (OR); Remote; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS is seeking an Optics & Defense Business Development Executive to drive North American market growth from a remote position with significant autonomy. You will advance opportunities in defense, aerospace, and industrial sectors, engaging with contractors, OEMs, and government agencies.

You'll manage the full sales cycle, collaborate with engineering, and develop strategic plans across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with occasional travel to client sites as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of business development or sales experience in optics, photonics, imaging, microscopy, or defense tech.
• Established relationships within defense, aerospace, OEM, government, or Tier 1 networks.
• Experience selling technical products or complex systems.
• Knowledge of DoD contracting, ITAR regulations, and defense procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop new opportunities across optics, photonics, imaging, and defense markets in North America.
• Build relationships with defense contractors, aerospace companies, OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and government agencies.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue growth opportunities for optical components and defense vision systems.
• Create and execute market development and business growth strategies.
• Partner with engineering to develop solutions and customer proposals.
• Manage opportunities through the full sales cycle from prospecting to contract award.

Skills

Strategic selling

Relationship building

Market development

Proposal development

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Salary: Up to $110,000 Base + Bonus/Commission

Remote with occasional travel to the East Coast

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Remote-based role with significant autonomy and ownership of North American market development
• Opportunity to build and expand a strategic defense and optics business across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• Sell highly technical, mission-critical solutions into defense, aerospace, and industrial markets
• Combination of established product lines and new market development opportunities
• Strong earning potential through base salary plus performance-driven commissions
• Opportunity to work with innovative optical components, imaging systems, and defense vehicle vision technologies

Key Responsibilities for the Optics & Defense Business Development Executive

• Develop new business opportunities across optics, photonics, imaging, and defense markets throughout North America
• Build relationships with defense contractors, aerospace companies, OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and government agencies
• Identify, qualify, and pursue strategic growth opportunities for optical components and defense vision systems
• Create and execute market development and business growth strategies
• Partner with engineering and technical teams to develop solutions and customer proposals
• Manage opportunities through the full sales cycle, from prospecting through contract award and customer support

Qualifications For The Optics & Defense Business Development Executive

• 5+ years of business development or sales experience in optics, photonics, imaging, microscopy, military optics, defense technologies, or related industries
• Established relationships within defense, aerospace, OEM, government, or Tier 1 supplier networks
• Experience selling technical products, engineered solutions, or complex systems
• Knowledge of DoD contracting, ITAR regulations, and defense procurement processes required