Defense Industry Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~16,800 employees create world‑class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award‑winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry‑first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

Responsibilities

Security Clearance: Active Top Secret Clearance (or higher) preferred; ability to obtain and maintain required clearance required.

Shape the Future of National Security and Advanced Technology

Keysight is seeking a highly influential Director, Government Capture & Strategic Pursuits to lead the identification, qualification, and capture of strategic U.S. Government opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven government and defense professional to leverage deep industry relationships, military expertise, and strategic thinking to position Keysight for long‑term growth across the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other federal agencies.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to government stakeholders, defense primes, and internal leadership teams—helping align mission‑critical customer challenges with Keysight's innovative technology solutions. You will play a pivotal role in shaping capture strategy, influencing procurement outcomes, and expanding Keysight’s presence in some of the nation’s most important defense, intelligence, space, communications, and homeland security programs.

What You’ll Do Strategic Opportunity Identification & Capture

• Identify and qualify emerging federal opportunities, funding priorities, acquisition programs, and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and execute comprehensive capture plans that increase Keysight’s probability of win on high‑value pursuits.
• Drive positioning strategies well before formal procurements are released.
• Assess competitive landscapes and develop actionable win themes and discriminator strategies.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build trusted relationships with senior government leaders, Program Executive Offices (PEOs), acquisition organizations, program managers, and key decision‑makers.
• Develop a deep understanding of customer missions, operational challenges, and technology gaps.
• Position Keysight as a strategic partner capable of solving complex national security and defense challenges.

Industry & Defense Prime Partnerships

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with major defense and aerospace prime contractors.
• Identify teaming opportunities and strategic partnerships that expand Keysight's role within large government programs.
• Represent Keysight at industry events, customer engagements, and executive‑level meetings.

Capture Leadership & Coordination

• Lead cross‑functional capture efforts involving sales, technical experts, proposal teams, product leaders, and executive stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal resources throughout the opportunity lifecycle, from early identification through contract award.
• Establish and scale a government capture capability that supports Keysight’s long‑term federal growth strategy.

Market Expansion & Mission Alignment

• Position Keysight within major national security and defense priorities, including:
  • Missile Defense Systems
  • Homeland Security Initiatives
  • Advanced Communications Programs
  • Space and Satellite Systems
  • Intelligence Modernization Efforts
  • Emerging initiatives such as Golden Dome and other strategic defense programs

Qualifications What We’re Looking For Required Qualifications

• Extensive military, government, or defense industry experience with deep expertise in one or more of the following:
  • U.S. Army
  • U.S. Air Force
  • U.S. Navy
  • Intelligence Community
• Demonstrated success leading capture efforts for large, technically complex government programs.
• Experience engaging with:
  • Senior Government Executives
  • Program Executive Offices (PEOs)
  • Acquisition and Procurement Organizations
  • Major Defense and Aerospace Contractors
• Strong understanding of U.S. Government acquisition processes, budgeting cycles, and procurement strategies.
• Established professional network across key federal agencies and defense organizations.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus across diverse organizations.
• Active Top Secret clearance (or higher) preferred, or the ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading strategic captures involving advanced technology solutions, test and measurement systems, communications, aerospace, defense electronics, cyber, or intelligence capabilities.
• Knowledge of large‑scale, technically complex government and defense programs.
• Experience working with defense primes as a subcontractor, technology provider, or strategic partner.
• Demonstrated success creating and scaling capture management organizations and best practices.

California Pay range: MIN $167,000.00 – MAX $306,000.00

Colorado pay range: MIN $155,000.00 – MAX $258,000.00

District of Columbia pay range: MIN $155,000.00 – MAX $258,000.00

Hawaii pay range: MIN $155,000.00 – MAX $258,000.00

Illinois pay range: MIN $155,000.00 – MAX $258,000.00

Maryland pay range: MIN $167,000.00 – MAX $279,000.00

Massachusetts pay range: MIN $167,000.00 – MAX $279,000.00

Minnesota pay range: MIN $155,000.00 – MAX $258,000.00

New Jersey City pay range: MIN $167,000.00 – MAX $279,000.00

New York pay range: MIN $184,000.00 – MAX $279,000.00

Vermont pay range: MIN $155,000.00 – MAX $258,000.00

Washington state pay range: MIN $167,000.00 – MAX $279,000.00

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region.

This role is eligible for Keysight’s Variable Pay Bonus Program.

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life, Accident, Disability insurance
• Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Discounts, Perks
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Adoption Assistance
• ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
• Restricted Stock Units

Careers Privacy Statement
Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.