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Defense Business Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teague

Business Development Lead - Defense

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Business Development Lead - Defense, is a force multiplier for Teague's defense growth strategy. This role bridges relationship-driven business development with disciplined sales operations ...

Teague

Business Development Lead - Defense

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Business Development Lead - Defense, is a force multiplier for Teague's defense growth strategy. This role bridges relationship-driven business development with disciplined sales operations ...

Roush

Business Development Manager - Defense

Troy, MI

Job Summary: The Business Development Manager will sell Roush services and capabilities, as well as develop new sales leads and accounts through referrals and industry contacts in the Defense ...

Apply Early

ROUSH

Business Development Manager - Defense

Troy, MI · On-site

Job Summary: The Business Development Manager will sell Roush services and capabilities, as well as develop new sales leads and accounts through referrals and industry contacts in the Defense ...

Apply Early

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 ...

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Defense Business Development information

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$29K

$55.8K

$92K

How much do defense business development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

Business Development Managers (BDMs) in the defense sector often face stress due to high targets, complex client relationships, and the need to stay updated on industry regulations. The role requires strong negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and often involves tight deadlines and pressure to secure contracts. However, stress levels can vary based on company culture and individual workload management.

Is BDM higher than sales manager?

In defense business development (BDM) roles, the position is often considered senior to or on a different track than a sales manager, focusing more on strategic growth, government contracts, and long-term relationships. Sales managers typically handle day-to-day sales operations and team management, while BDMs develop new opportunities and partnerships, which can lead to higher-level responsibilities or compensation depending on the organization. The hierarchy varies by company, but BDM roles often require specialized knowledge of defense markets and may involve higher-level negotiations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Defense Business Development position, 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 job?

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.

Who are the big 5 dod contractors?

The top five Department of Defense contractors are Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. These companies often seek defense business development professionals to manage government contracts, proposals, and strategic partnerships in the defense industry.

Who are the big 7 defense contractors?

The big seven defense contractors are Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, General Dynamics, L3Harris Technologies, and Huntington Ingalls Industries. These companies are major players in defense business development, often working on large government contracts and requiring security clearances and specialized skills.
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Defense Business Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Business Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Full Time, and 68% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,773 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
Principal, Business Development

Principal, Business Development

Intelligent Manufacturing Solutions LLC

Oviedo, FL

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description

Job Summary


 Advanced Laser Systems Technology (ALST) has an immediate opening for a Principal, Business Development. ALST is located in Orlando, Florida and is part of Intelligent Manufacturing Solutions (IMS) which is headquartered in Londonderry, NH. ALST is an established leader in Electro-Optical laser systems for military defense applications domestically and internationally. As a trailblazer in designing and developing highly engineered, innovative solutions, ALST is world renowned for its expertise in the areas of laser range finders and laser designators and our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. We offer an alternative work schedule and the opportunity to work with a talented and diverse group of professionals.


 As a Business Development Principal, you will have the exciting opportunity to help solve the most complex problems our Department of Defense and International customers face. You will embed with emerging and existing customers for solving our customers' hardest problems. You will leverage your intimate knowledge to focus on customers to develop and communicate a robust pipeline and strategic outlook for growth.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Owns the business development and capture for domestic and international customer tactical communications lifecycle. Builds a robust, multi-year pipeline. Qualifies and shapes opportunities through direct customer engagement at all echelons. 
  • Works closely with US Government and international customers Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to develop teaming agreements and integration of ALST systems onto their offerings.
  • Engages effectively across all levels and ranks of our government and industry partner organizations.
  • Coordinates with P&L lead to align strategic direction and customer needs; works closely with business execution team to ensure a clear, coordinated customer messaging.
  • Builds coalitions of supporters, coaches, and champions to advance captures and drive opportunity closure and speed to market.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset - obsesses over warfighters hardest problems and rallies a team to translate them into impactful solutions leading to business growth.
  • Constantly looking to improve existing processes or establish new systems using significant conceptualizing, reasoning, and interpretation. Develops or champions new concepts or technologies based on analysis of current and emerging customer challenges.
  • Solves hard, complex problems by analyzing broad variables to include market drivers, business impact, and technological feasibility.
  • This position will execute business development activities (campaign, individual pursuits, and the associated strategy) in the following areas: 

          - Strategic development of advanced and resilient communications capabilities with DoD labs, international 

            communities and other DoD and interagency components

          - Customer engagement with prime platform partner contractors and Government agencies

          - Partner engagement with industry peers and small business

  • Participate in business planning activities, to include periodic pipeline reviews, operating plan development, bid agenda development, opportunity gate reviews, black hat sessions, win theme and discriminator workshops, and proposal reviews.
  • Responsible for the identification and shaping of research and development activities
  • Ability to support writing of white papers, develop RFI, RFP, and present C4ISR concepts and proposals to US DoD customers. 

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
  • Must be able to travel, domestically and internationally, as needed. (~ 30% of the time).
  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience or Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience. In alignment with education requirements and minimum years of experience - Related work experience is defined as military or Department of Defense business development, engineering or program management environment OR equivalent military / Civilian experience. In alignment with education requirements and minimum years of experience: Related work experience is defined as military or Department of Defense business development, engineering or program management environment OR equivalent military / civilian experience.


Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  

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