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Senior Business Development Manager, Unmanned Systems (UAV/USV)

Ideal Aerosmith
1 day ago
Full-time
On-site
Maryland, United States
$145,000 - $225,000 USD yearly
Drone Jobs

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, innovative defense solutions in support of the warfighter, 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. 

Ideal Aerosmith is seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Business Development Manager, Government Systems to lead strategic growth across Ideal Aerosmith customers. This role is responsible for identifying, shaping, and capturing new business opportunities aligned with Ideal Aerosmith’s Government Systems portfolio, including aerospace test systems, unmanned systems, advanced engineering services, and mission-critical defense solutions. The Senior Business Development Manager serves as a primary external interface to government customers and industry partners, translating customer needs into executable business strategies.

This position focuses on front-end growth, customer engagement, capture leadership, and pipeline development.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development & Customer Engagement

  • Develop and execute business development strategies aligned with Ideal Aerosmith’s Government Systems growth objectives.
  • Establish and maintain senior-level relationships with U.S. Government customers, program offices, laboratories, warfare centers, and test organizations.
  • Serve as a trusted interface between customers and Ideal Aerosmith technical and leadership teams.
  • Identify emerging mission needs, capability gaps, and acquisition priorities.

Opportunity Identification & Pipeline Management

  • Identify, qualify, and manage a pipeline of government opportunities from early shaping through contract award.
  • Lead opportunity assessments and bid/no-bid recommendations in coordination with executive leadership.
  • Monitor RFIs, RFPs, BAAs, OTAs, and unsolicited opportunities across assigned customer portfolios.
  • Track customer funding profiles, acquisition timelines, and competitive landscapes.

Capture Strategy & Proposal Support

  • Lead capture planning, competitive positioning, and win strategy development.
  • Shape customer requirements through early engagement, white papers, technical exchanges, and industry days.
  • Develop teaming strategies with prime contractors, subcontractors, and technology partners.
  • Support proposal development activities, including strategy reviews, pricing coordination, and executive briefings.
  • Partner with Contracts, Legal, and Finance to ensure compliant and competitive offers.

Internal Coordination & Market Intelligence

  • Coordinate closely with engineering, program management, and operations to align customer needs with technical solutions.
  • Provide market intelligence, customer feedback, and competitive insights to inform product roadmaps and IRAD investments.
  • Support long-range strategic planning for the Government Systems business area.

Qualification Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field.
  • 15+ years of experience in government business development, capture management, or related roles.
  • Demonstrated success winning or supporting U.S. Government and DoD contracts as a prime or major subcontractor.
  • Strong understanding of government acquisition processes, including FAR/DFARS, OTAs, BAAs, and IDIQ contracts.
  • Experience engaging with government stakeholders at the O-6 / GS-15 level and above.
  • Due to federal contract requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3).

Skill Requirements 

  • Strong strategic thinking and opportunity-shaping capabilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings.
  • Ability to translate technical concepts into clear, compelling value propositions.
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously.
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguous, early-stage opportunity environments.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence across technical and operational teams. 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work for extended periods at a computer workstation and keyboard.
  • Ability to travel domestically as required (typically 25–50%).
  • Ability to attend customer meetings, industry events, and on-site engagements. 

Salary Range: $145,000-$225,000 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; every other Friday off; 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.