Director, Business Development

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.  

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.  

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Director, Business Development for National Security Space (NSS) focuses on securing high-value contracts with military and intelligence space agencies. This specialized role bridges the gap between cutting-edge space technology and critical national defense frameworks by providing strategic leadership for comprehensive business development.

The person in this role will architect enterprise-level growth strategies and build a multi-million to billion-dollar pipeline by executing business development strategies that align with corporate objectives, directs major pursuit campaigns, and establishes key strategic partnerships.

The role requires capturing competitive programs across vital space domains like Space Domain Awareness (SDA), MEO Missile Tracking/Missile Defense, high performance GEO missions, and on-orbit servicing. The person in this role will serve as a primary liaison to the U.S. Space Force (USSF), Space Development Agency (SDA), and the Intelligence Community (IC).

The Director of Business Development maintains accountability for substantial business development budgets and serves as a catalyst for transformational change in how the organization identifies and captures new business. This position requires visionary leadership combined with practical business acumen to translate market insights into sustainable competitive advantage.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.  

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build out and be responsible for establishing a comprehensive NSS capture strategy and tactical business plan for a specific division, program or function at the group level; identify and implement the steps needed to execute on the strategy across market segments ensuring alignment with overall corporate objectives, market analysis and competitive intelligence, lead full-lifecycle capture management to secure critical defense contracts for that group, including shaping requirements before requests for proposals (RFPs) are received.

• Maintain active networks and establish and maintain trusting relationships with key decision-makers across the Department of Defense (DoD), USSF, and intelligence agencies to ensure mission responsiveness and customer intimacy.  

• Participate with executive level management on strategic matters related to business growth and objectives for the organization, including target markets, growth rates, and competitive positioning.

• Negotiate teaming agreements and establish strategic partnerships with agile mission partners and research institutions that create significant business opportunities and market access across multiple segments.

• Embody company culture and great leadership; serve as a catalyst for change in business development approaches and client engagement strategies.

• Partner with internal engineering, software, and astrodynamics teams to architect technical space solutions tailored to classified mission sets.

• Lead the professional development and provide mentoring of subordinates to ensure capabilities match strategic needs for successful operation of assigned business development areas, customer relationships as well as succession planning for critical business development roles.  

• Be accountable for meeting financial plans, goals and schedules for business development activities, maintaining a consistent focus on value creation, win rates and return on investment for pursuit resources.

• Uphold and model company values, hold others accountable to values in all business development activities, strategic decisions and customer interactions.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 15+ years of related experience with significant experience in senior leadership roles.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).

• Active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.

• Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects.

• In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices relevant to business development.

• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills with demonstrated success in managing significant  budgets.

• Experience leading and supporting organizational changes.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to influence at executive levels.

• Ability to build strategy and implement the steps needed to execute strategy over a business area/function.

• Strategic thinking capabilities with demonstrated success in business growth initiatives. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.

• Certifications: Advanced business development, leadership, or executive management certifications.

• Experience directing business development activities in relevant industry sectors.

• Proven track record of achieving significant revenue growth through strategic business development initiatives.

• Experience developing and implementing go-to-market strategies for new products or services.

• Experience with national defense and intelligence organizations within the U.S. Government to provide mission solutions for Space Superiority, Missile Warning, Missile Defense or Space Domain Awareness is a plus

• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated success in closing high-value deals.

• Experience building and leading high-performing business development teams.

• Extensive network of industry contacts and relationships.

• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 

This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.  The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.  

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$208,092.00 - $286,126.50

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations. 

 
We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.