Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

The Director of Business Development, Government Systems is responsible for leading strategic growth initiatives across Ideal Aerosmith’s government and defense markets. This role identifies, shapes, and captures new business opportunities aligned with Ideal Aerosmith’s Government Systems portfolio, including aerospace test systems, unmanned systems, UAV technologies, advanced engineering services, and mission-critical defense solutions.

The Director of Business Development serves as a primary external interface with government customers, defense primes, and industry partners, translating mission needs and customer requirements into executable growth strategies. This role drives opportunity development, capture execution, strategic partnerships, and market expansion efforts while partnering with technical, program, and executive leadership teams to position Ideal Aerosmith for continued growth within the defense sector.

Job Responsibilities:

Identify, develop, and qualify new business opportunities within federal agencies, defense primes, and emerging defense technology markets.
Develop and execute business development strategies supporting Ideal Aerosmith’s Government Systems portfolio, including UAV/unmanned systems, aerospace test capabilities, advanced engineering solutions, and defense mission applications.
Build and maintain a strong opportunity pipeline aligned with company growth objectives and strategic priorities.
Lead capture activities for priority opportunities, including customer engagement, competitive analysis, teaming strategies, acquisition planning, and pursuit execution.
Develop and maintain relationships with government program offices, acquisition stakeholders, defense contractors, technology partners, and key industry organizations.
Engage with customers to understand mission requirements, operational challenges, and emerging technology needs to shape future opportunities.
Support proposal development efforts by coordinating with engineering, program management, contracts, and technical teams to develop compelling and compliant solutions.
Identify strategic partnerships, teaming opportunities, and pathways to expand Ideal Aerosmith’s presence within government and defense markets.
Monitor defense industry trends, government budgets, acquisition strategies, and emerging mission priorities to inform business development plans.
Represent Ideal Aerosmith at defense conferences, industry events, customer meetings, and networking forums.
Maintain disciplined pipeline management, opportunity tracking, forecasting, and reporting processes.
Partner with executive leadership to execute growth strategies and expand Ideal Aerosmith’s position within the defense technology market.

Qualification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, political science, or related field (master’s preferred).
10+ years of business development, capture management, or government contracting experience within the aerospace, defense, or technology sectors.
Demonstrated experience developing and capturing government business opportunities, preferably within DoD and federal markets.
Experience supporting defense technology programs involving unmanned systems, UAVs, aerospace platforms, test systems, advanced manufacturing, or mission-critical engineering solutions.
Strong understanding of government acquisition processes, including FAR/DFARS requirements and defense contracting pathways.
Proven ability to build relationships with government customers, defense primes, and industry partners.
Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and customer engagement skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Skill Requirements

Demonstrated success in winning government contracts and navigating the federal acquisition process (FAR/DFARS).
Strong network within DoD, defense agencies, and/or prime contractors.
Experience with SBIR/STTR, IDIQs, GWACs, or OTA contracts.
Knowledge of defense technology areas such as aerospace, C5ISR, autonomy, or advanced manufacturing.

Salary Range: $170,000-220,000 annually

This salary range represents a good faith estimate of the base compensation for this position. Actual base compensation will be determined based on multiple factors, including location, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, experience, education, skills, and prevailing market conditions. In exceptional cases, compensation above this range may be considered based on experience, skills, or business needs.

This position is eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance. Overtime eligibility, if applicable, will be determined in accordance with federal and state law.

Ideal Aerosmith additionally offers a comprehensive benefits program, which includes health, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits; 401K with company match; company-paid holidays; and paid time off for vacation and personal time.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.

Director of Business Development (Unmanned Systems)

Ideal Aerosmith

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