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Associate Defense Business Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ReLogic Research

Operations Associate

Huntsville, AL · On-site

As an AS9100D-certified small business supporting the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Missile Defense ... Support proposal and business development activities including organizing proposal materials ...

Relogic Research

Operations Associate

Huntsville, AL · On-site

As an AS9100D-certified small business supporting the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Missile Defense ... Support proposal and business development activities including organizing proposal materials ...

Orca-AI

Business Development Director - Defense

Description We are looking for a high-impact Business Development Director to lead our growth within the defense and government sectors in the USA. This is a role for a closer - someone who possesses ...

PLEXSYS

Business Development Manager - U.S. Navy

Camas, WA · On-site

$137K - $174K/yr

The Business Development Manager will build and maintain customer relationships across Navy ... Drive the development of Defense commercial (products and services) sales strategies * Work closely ...

ARES Enterprise

Business Development Associate

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

Ares Enterprise is seeking candidates for a full-time Business Development Associate position that ... of Defense along with other federal agencies seeking to ensure the safety and security of our ...

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Associate Defense Business Development information

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$29K

$55.8K

$92K

How much do associate defense business development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate defense business development in the United States is $55,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Defense Business Development vs Business Development Specialist?

AspectAssociate Defense Business DevelopmentBusiness Development Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree, security clearance often preferredBachelor's degree, sales or marketing experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government agenciesVarious industries, including defense, technology, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in defense and aerospace sectorsBroader across multiple sectors including defense
Primary FocusSupporting defense contracts, proposal developmentGenerating new business, client relationships

The Associate Defense Business Development role is specialized for the defense industry, focusing on supporting contracts and proposals, often requiring security clearance. In contrast, a Business Development Specialist has a broader scope across industries, emphasizing client acquisition and sales growth. While both roles involve growth strategies, the Associate Defense Business Development position is more technical and industry-specific, whereas the Business Development Specialist is more sales-oriented across various sectors.

More about Associate Defense Business Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Defense Business Development jobs? Cities with the most Associate Defense Business Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Business Development jobs? The most popular types of Defense Business Development jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Defense Business Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Defense Business Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Associate Defense Business Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Defense Business Development jobs are:
Associate Defense Business Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Defense Business Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,773 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Business Development Manager, Defense

Whisper Aero

Washington, DC • Hybrid

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Our Company

Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that's as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee.

About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking a Business Development Manager, Defense in either Nashville, TN, Washington, D.C., or hybrid (1 week onsite per month in Crossville or Nashville, TN). The Business Development Manager, Defense at Whisper Aero focuses on driving growth in the defense sector by identifying opportunities, managing key relationships, and promoting our innovative technologies. You will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to align our products with defense industry needs, directly contributing to our market expansion and business strategies. 

What You'll Do

  • Identify, pursue, and capture new business opportunities within the defense sector, aligning with Whisper Aero's growth objectives.  
  • Build and maintain relationships with key defense stakeholders, including government entities, end users, and contractors, to foster trust and collaboration.
  • Collaborate with internal product and engineering teams, such as product and engineering, to ensure alignment between customer needs, product offerings, and messaging.
  • Attend major government customer meetings and engagements to ensure contracts awarded stay awarded or expanded and expectations that are set can remain upheld.
  • Provide feedback to design and product teams for collateral that would be used for customer engagements (e.g., handouts, presentations, booth designs, webpages, social media)
  • Facilitate discussions with our supply chain and engineering team to assist in supplier/customer outreach, partnership discussions, contract execution (MSA, NDA, SoW, etc.)
  • Compose and support the development and submission of compelling proposals for government contract opportunities, ensuring compliance with regulations and alignment with company goals.
  • Represent Whisper Aero to external stakeholders by articulating our value proposition, competitive edge, and technological advancements through presentations and discussions at company events and industry events.
  • Contribute to the development of business strategies and roadmaps for the defense sector, informed by market trends, customer feedback, and industry insights.
  • Monitor defense policy, budgets, and relevant Department of War (DoW) programs to identify emerging opportunities and stay ahead of industry trends. 
  • Develop stakeholder mappings for our defense programs inclusive of contacts at the DoW, suppliers, customers, competitors.

Basic Qualifications  

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) related field required.
  • Must meet U.S. Person status.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in defense-related business development, program management, or acquisition roles.
  • Experience working with government contracting teams and working on government contracts of various types
  • Experience negotiating data assertions with a knowledge of the differences between SBIR data rights, GPR, or other types of data rights
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
  • Strong understanding of defense policies, budget cycles, and the defense/national security industry.
  • Experience with DoW programs, platforms, and enabling technologies.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders, including government entities and industry partners.
  • Willingness and ability to travel (approximately 25% to 50% of work time). 

Bonus Qualifications

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
  • Existing TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Experience with government small business contracting, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Other Transaction Authority (OTA) processes.
  • Familiarity with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or piloted aircraft platforms.
  • Established relationships with Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and decision-makers within the DoD. 
  • Familiarity developing workflows with AI tools like Claude Code, Codex (not just ChatGPT)
Benefits:
  • Top-tier Benefits: Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings
  • PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
  • Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee's no-income-tax life
  • End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
  • We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
  • 401(k)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Professional Development Stipend

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.