Senior Business Development Manager – Defense & Aerospace

Knight Aerospace; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Affordable Medical Coverage

401(k) with Company Match

Generous PTO Program

Paid Holidays

Overtime Opportunities

Company-Paid Dental & Vision Insurance

Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities

Job summary

Knight Aerospace is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to grow the company’s share of defense, government, OEM, and international aerospace opportunities. The role leverages DoD acquisition processes to identify opportunities, manage proposals, and administer contracts.

Responsibilities include leading competitive proposals, coordinating with Air Transportation SMEs, maintaining CRM data, and driving market analysis to support contract development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field; MBA a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of US government business development experience.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government, foreign military, OEM, or commercial aerospace customers.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and government acquisition processes is beneficial but not required.
• Existing relationships within the defense or aerospace community are a plus.
• Prior military, aerospace, aviation experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue direct and indirect business opportunities through USG domestic and international government channels and strategic partnerships with major OEMs.
• Lead the development and submission of competitive proposals, ensuring clear articulation of solutions and compliance with MIL-SPECs.
• Incorporate Air Transportation SME input to validate operational feasibility and technical accuracy of proposed solutions.
• Maintain accurate business development and sales data within the Company’s CRM system.
• Conduct market research and analysis of DoD/MoD logistics and aerospace requirements to support proposal and contract development.
• Draft and review contractual provisions, ensuring compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert during contract negotiations, advocating for the Company’s interests.
• Prepare quotes for smaller opportunities and related equipment.
• Coordinate travel and logistics for industry conferences and events.
• Support marketing materials to represent the Company’s capabilities in air transportation solutions.

Skills

Written Communication

Analytical Thinking

Organizational Skills

Teamwork

Security Clearance Eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM platforms

Job description

Description

At Knight Aerospace, we offer more than a paycheck—we provide a rewarding career with competitive compensation and valuable benefits designed to support your success.

• Competitive Pay
• Affordable Medical Coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous PTO Program
• Paid Holidays

Description

At Knight Aerospace, we offer more than a paycheck—we provide a rewarding career with competitive compensation and valuable benefits designed to support your success.

• Competitive Pay
• Overtime Opportunities
• Affordable Medical Coverage
• Company-Paid Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous PTO Program
• Paid Holidays
• Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities

Join a team that values innovation, excellence, and the people who make it all possible.

Duties And Responsibilities

The Senior Business Development Manager is responsible for driving growth in the Company’s share of defense, government, OEM, and international aerospace and logistics opportunities. These will include leverages expertise in DoD acquisition processes to identify and capitalize opportunities, manage proposals, and administer contracts. The Senior Business Development Manager will represent the Company and its values and will ensure that the expectations of the Company’s customers are exceeded by performing the following:

• Identify and pursue direct and indirect business opportunities through USG domestic and/or international government channels and strategic partnerships with major OEMs (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Standard Aero).
• Lead the development and submission of competitive proposals, ensuring clear articulation of solutions and compliance with relevant military specifications (MIL-SPECs).
• Incorporate Air Transportation SME input to validate operational feasibility and technical accuracy of proposed solutions.
• Maintain accurate business development and sales data within the Company’s CRM system.
• Conduct thorough market research and analysis of DoD/MoD logistics and aerospace requirements to support proposal and contract development.
• Utilize Air Transportation SME insights to identify key trends and emerging needs within the cargo aircraft and logistics domain.
• Develop and execute contract strategies, including pricing discussions, timeline management, and deliverable definition.
• Leverage Air Transportation SME knowledge to ensure contract terms align with operational realities and technical requirements.
• Draft and review contractual provisions, ensuring compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert during contract negotiations, advocating for the Company’s interests while meeting client needs.
• Utilize Air Transportation SME expertise to address technical and operational questions during negotiations.
• Maintain effective communication with business partners and government clients, ensuring timely information exchange and issue resolution.
• Prepare quotes for smaller opportunities and related equipment.
• Contribute to website and social media updates, highlighting the Company’s capabilities and achievements.
• Ensure marketing materials accurately represent the Company’s expertise in air transportation solutions, potentially with SME contribution.
• Coordinate travel and logistics for industry conferences and events.
• Facilitate SME participation in relevant conferences and events to enhance the Company’s technical credibility.

General Expectations

• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience within the defense and/or aerospace industry.
• Prior military service, particularly involving air mobility, cargo aircraft, logistics, or aviation operations.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government, foreign military, OEM, or commercial aerospace customers.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and government acquisition processes is beneficial but not required.
• Existing relationships within the defense or aerospace community are a plus.
• Works well in a “team” environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related program. MBA a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of US government business development experience.
• Computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite and CRM platforms.
• Prior military, aerospace, aviation experience a plus.

Work Environment Requirements

• Full-Time Position.

Domestic travel and occasional international travel required.