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Defense Business Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

Remote Job Schedule: 9/80 As a Business Development Principal, you will have the exciting opportunity help solve the most complex problems our Department of Defense and United States Air Force ...

Ansell

Plan and execute joint customer visits and business development activities with distributor ... Serve as the regional subject matter expert for Aerospace, Defense and Energy market segments.

Teledyne

Vice President of Operations

Lewisburg, TN

... development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical ... Identify and pursue new business opportunities within defense, aerospace, government, and ...

Socket.dev

Chief Information Officer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$250 - $300/hr

... Business Development to deliver technology solutions that improve productivity and operational ... Experience supporting organizations regulated by the DOE, NRC, NNSA, Department of Defense, or ...

New

Regions Bank

Credit Risk Review Examiner

Nashville, TN · On-site

... defense business managers, staff, and other risk assessment functions. They identify issues that ... Collaborates with senior management in the development of team goals and objectives, ensuring ...

Icon plc

Feasibility Informatics Manager

Bristol, TN · On-site

... e.g., to Business Development Operations) and external clients (e.g., Sponsors), providing ... Providing support during bid defense (or potential preferred partner) meeting preparation and ...

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Defense Business Development information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.3K

$50.6K

$83.5K

How much do defense business development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense business development in Tennessee is $50,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,400.00 and $55,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in defense business development, and why are they important?

To excel in Defense Business Development, you typically need experience in government contracts, market analysis, and a solid understanding of defense industry regulations, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with federal acquisition systems (such as SAM.gov), CRM software, and security clearance requirements is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking are standout soft skills for this position. These abilities are crucial to identifying and securing new business opportunities, navigating complex procurement processes, and building strong partnerships within the defense sector.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a defense business development professional?

A Defense Business Development professional is usually responsible for identifying new business opportunities within the defense sector, nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, and preparing proposals for government contracts. Their day often includes conducting market and competitor research, attending industry events or meetings, and collaborating closely with technical teams to tailor solutions for client needs. They also work cross-functionally with legal, compliance, and operations teams to ensure proposals meet all regulatory requirements. This role is dynamic and requires balancing strategic planning with real-time responsiveness to industry trends and client demands.

What is a defense business development?

A Defense Business Development job involves identifying and securing new business opportunities within the defense sector. Professionals in this role build relationships with government agencies, military branches, and defense contractors to promote their company's products or services. They analyze market trends, develop strategic partnerships, and manage the proposal and contracting process. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of defense procurement processes, regulations, and industry requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Business Development jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Defense Business Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Business Development jobs in Tennessee? For Defense Business Development jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Business Development jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Business Development jobs in Tennessee are:
Defense Business Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Business Development job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,620 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Business Development Manager, Defense

Whisper Aero

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

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.

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