Strategic Business Development Leader - Aerospace Research

GE Aerospace; Town of Niskayuna (NY); Remote; USD 150,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Aerospace Research seeks a Strategic Business Development Leader in Niskayuna with a strong defense/Gov BD background to build relationships, identify funded R&D opportunities, and shape campaigns. You will engage with DoD and NASA, drive KPI-driven growth, and collaborate with researchers and external partners to win multi‑million-dollar bids.

You’ll manage pre-solicitation activities, participate in shaping campaigns, and guide proposal teams, with travel 25–50% as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 10 years’ experience related to defense or government business development.
• Strong technical background and experience with S&T or R&D organizations.
• Knowledge of DoD processes, funding and acquisition policies.

Responsibilities

• Grow BD funnel and pursue early-stage opportunities aligned with GE Aero Research priorities.
• Own pre-solicitation activities and engage customers for shaping programs and bids.
• Lead responses to RFIs and qualify shaping campaigns with internal stakeholders.
• Develop action plans for campaigns and support proposal processes as needed.
• Build government relations with agencies like ARMY DEVCOM, AFRL, DARPA, NASA; travel 25–50%.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Government BD

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Doctorate Degree (PhD)

Tools

CRM (Salesforce)

Job description

## Strategic Business Development Leader - Aerospace ResearchApply: Niskayuna: Remote: Remote: Full time: Posted Yesterday: R5042175# ****Job Description Summary****As the Strategic Business Development Leader at GE Aerospace Research, you will be focused on building customer relationships and U.S. government funded R&D pursuits by identifying and shaping new opportunities aligned with the strategic technology road maps of GE Aerospace. In this role, you will be focused on customer & partner engagements, collaborating across GE Aerospace Research and GE Aerospace, leading pre-solicitation opportunity qualification, and shaping strategy / campaigns focused on solving technology challenges and accelerating advanced technology development for GE Aerospace.# **Job Description*** Grow BD funnel with early-stage opportunity pursuits to meet annual targets and aligned with GE Aero Research priorities.* Own and lead pre-solicitation BD activities, including customer engagement related to BD strategy, shaping new programs, and supporting successful bids.* Lead and manage responses to relevant Requests for Information.* Qualify new pre-solicitation “leads” to determine if well aligned to GEA R&D strategy and priorities.* Lead identification of shaping campaigns in collaboration with GE Aerospace Research technology leaders and other relevant GE Aerospace stakeholders.* Support development of process to qualify, score, and prioritize shaping campaigns.* Develop, lead and own action plans for respective shaping campaigns.* Support to proposal process as needed (writing, reviews, customer knowledge, market knowledge, competitive assessment).* Embrace and utilize metrics focused on shaping, customer and partner engagement, and pipeline development.* Regularly analyze and assess key performance indicators (KPIs) and share lessons learned.* Build and manage strong relationships and business development activities with U.S. Science and Technology (S&T) and Research and Development (R&D) government agencies, such as Army DEVCOM, AFRL, DARPA, DIU, DOE, OUSW (R&E), MDA, US Navy R&D organizations, NASA, and similar organizations to generate leads, and create and shape new business opportunities aligned with GE Aerospace Research.* Develop and foster strategic partnerships to include industry, university, relevant industry associations and consortiums.* Leverage partnerships to build proposal teams that strengthen overall bid strategy.* Utilize a CRM system to track opportunities and associated KPIs, with the goal of systematically moving qualified opportunities through a BD pipeline.* Create, maintain, and implement a customer engagement strategy with government R&D organizations for Internal Research and Development projects initiated by GE Aerospace Research.* Understand and track government funding trends, technology priorities, and policy developments as they main pertain to the innovation mission of GE Aerospace Research.* Interface and partner with other divisions and business development teams across GE Aerospace to share and/or incorporate best practices, prioritize pursuits, and/or collaborate towards new pursuits.* Collaborate with GE Aerospace technical leaders to translate technical capabilities into compelling shaping campaigns which lead to successful bids as measured by win rate.* Externally represent GE Aerospace Research at industry events, government meetings, and conferences.* Embrace continuous improvement and learning of best practices for government business development.* Represent GE Aerospace Research as a technical expert in government customer engagements and partner with Government Affairs on funding and policy initiatives. **Qualifications/Requirements*** Bachelor’s Degree and 10 years’ experience related to defense or government business development, capture, programs, or operational experience.* Strong technical background and experience working with or in S&T or R&D organizations.* In-depth knowledge of GE Aerospace application portfolio.* Highly organized with the ability to lead and manage multiple efforts & priorities effectively.* Track record of driving cross-functional & organizational engagement and interactions with customers, upper-level management, and project teams.* Ability to build a network across internal and external organizations.* This role requires use of technical data subject to U.S. Government contract restrictions and this posting is only for U.S. Citizens who are able to obtain a security clearance.* Knowledge of DoD acquisition, requirements, and budget policies and processes.* Proven win record with S&T or R&D government programs.* Deep experience working directly with or within defense R&D organizations.* Ability to travel 25-50%* US Citizenship required **Desired Characteristics*** Doctorate Degree in Science or Engineering and 12 years’ experience in relevant field.* Self-starter; able to represent GE Aerospace, take ownership of government customer relationships, build BD pipeline with new opportunities, and be accountable for BD goals and KPIs.* Knowledge of industry best practices for government business development.* Experience working in a matrixed environment.* Maintains awareness of industry wide trends and actions occurring within the aerospace and defense market, especially as they relate to government funding.* Existing network within DARPA, DIU, DOE, OUSW (R&E), MDA, US military service R&D organizations, NASA, or similar R&D organizations of interest to the aerospace & defense industry.* Effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with ability to function on an interdisciplinary team to deliver on multimillion-dollar portfolio of projects* Knowledgeable in Customer Relationships Management (CRM) tools and best practices (e.g. Salesforce or similar).* Collaborative work style and able to work with scientists and engineers and understand how to match good ideas with government customer needs and opportunities. The base pay range for this position is $150,000 - $275,000 USD USD Annually. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close on December 30th, 2026. GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness. GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a “Sponsor”). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.#LI-MH1*This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).*# ****Additional Information****GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing. **Relocation Assistance Provided:** No#LI-Remote - This is a remote position### About UsAt GE Aerospace, we invent the future of flight, lift people up, and bring them home safely. We are a world-leading provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. At GE Aerospace, respect for people is core to our culture and commitment to FLIGHT DECK, our proprietary lean operating model. We attract, develop, and retain industry-leading talent from all backgrounds and cultivate communities where people are respected and empowered to reach their fullest potential. For the people of GE Aerospace, their work isn't just a job. It's their passion and purpose. We work and win as one team, accountable to each other and our customers, and we are always finding a better way to climb higher together. We were meant to fly.