Strategic Defense Capture Leader

Vardaspace; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation support

401(k) with match

Stock options

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in Huntsville, AL seeks a Capture Director to bridge Business Development and Mission Management, owning end-to-end capture for defense opportunities. You will drive keep-sold expansion, lead Color Team reviews, and orchestrate PTW strategies, accelerating the Test-as-a-Service portfolio domestically and internationally.

The role requires a 5+ year track record in defense captures, TS/SCI eligibility, and the ability to travel up to 50%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of dedicated capture management or business development experience within the DoD aerospace, defense, or national security technology sectors.
• Proven track record leading end-to-end defense captures from opportunity identification through contract award.
• Experience directing cross-functional proposal teams, including engineering, pricing, legislative affairs, and operations.
• Exceptional written skills with a demonstrated ability to author compelling white papers, executive summaries, and technical proposals.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance (or the ability to be fast-traced for one).
• Ability to travel 25% - 50% of the time, including international travel.
• U.S. Citizenship or Green Card holder required to conform with ITAR and U.S. space technology export control regulations.

Responsibilities

• Qualify and capture high-value defense solicitations across the MDA, USSF, USAF, USN, USA, SOCOM, Combatant Commands, FFRDCs/UARCs, and commercial R&D entities.
• Assume full accountability for proposals at the handoff gate, driving the strategy through proposal development, compliance, evaluations, contract negotiation, and closure.
• Partner with Mission Management to execute growth strategies and deepen penetration within existing accounts.
• Conduct rigorous go/no-go assessments, evaluating customer alignment, competitive positioning, and financial ROI.
• Analyze DoD budget exhibits to map program schedules, funding profiles, and procurement strategies.
• Coordinate with engineering, pricing, legal, and mission management to translate complex technical specs into winning proposal frameworks.
• Cultivate trusted relationships across government agencies, international partners, and private industry to embed discriminators into offerings.
• Apply knowledge of FMS, DCS, and ITAR/EAR regulations to secure international pursuits.
• Represent Varda at defense conferences, industry days, and symposia to expand the brand footprint.

Skills

Opportunity Management

Lifecycle Ownership

Cross-Functional Leadership

Go/No-Go Assessments

Competitive Intelligence

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science

Job description

Varda Space Industries in Huntsville, AL seeks a Capture Director to bridge Business Development and Mission Management, owning end-to-end capture for defense opportunities. You will drive keep-sold expansion, lead Color Team reviews, and orchestrate PTW strategies, accelerating the Test-as-a-Service portfolio domestically and internationally.

The role requires a 5+ year track record in defense captures, TS/SCI eligibility, and the ability to travel up to 50%.