Director Unmanned Systems Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Title:  Director, Business Development - U.S. Navy / U.S. Marine Corps
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Washington, DC metro area (hybrid); frequent CONUS travel, including Hampton Roads, Quantico, and Patuxent River
FLSA: Exempt
Reports To: Chief Growth Officer

About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people-we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart-those who put team success first, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team.

Role Summary:
Heven AeroTech is seeking a Director of Business Development to own and grow our pursuit strategy across the Department of the Navy - United States Navy (USN) and United States Marine Corps (USMC). This individual will be responsible for building a qualified pipeline, shaping requirements ahead of formal solicitations, and converting early-stage engagements such as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) and prototype efforts into programs of record and sustained production contracts. The role requires a demonstrated track record of navigating Navy and Marine Corps acquisition, budget, and requirements processes, along with the credibility and network to open doors at the right level.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Own the USN/USMC business development strategy and pipeline, from opportunity identification through capture, proposal support, and award
• Build and convert a pathway from OTA and prototype efforts into programs of record, including transition planning, milestone documentation, and stakeholder alignment required for gate-shift decisions
• Develop and maintain relationships with Program Executive Offices (PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants, PEO C4I, PEO LCS, PMA offices within NAVAIR) and Marine Corps equivalents (PEO Land Systems, MCSC, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration)
• Identify and engage budget holders and resource sponsors (OPNAV N9/N2N6, HQMC Programs and Resources) to understand funding lines, POM cycles, and budget insertion timing windows
• Track and influence requirements generation through engagement with Navy and Marine Corps requirements officers, warfare centers (NUWC, NAWC, NSWC), and operational user communities
• Map and pursue relevant contract vehicles, including NavalX and DIU OTAs, SBIR/STTR transition pathways, and Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) prototyping efforts
• Lead or support customer call plans, Gate reviews, and capture strategy development in coordination with the growth team and executive leadership
• Represent Heven AeroTech at Navy and Marine Corps-focused industry days, conferences, and Fleet/MEF engagements, including events tied to INDOPACOM priorities
• Aggressively pursue opportunities to shape procurements and requirements ahead of formal competition - live and virtual demonstrations, white papers, consortium participation (e.g., IWRP, SMARTS), trade shows, and government relations engagement
• Partner with Engineering, Product Development, and Program Management to ensure customer requirements and operational feedback inform the product roadmap
• Provide accurate, timely pipeline reporting and forecasting inputs consistent with the company-wide BD operating rhythm

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

• 10+ years of business development, capture, or program experience supporting Department of the Navy customers, with a track record of driving wins
• Demonstrated success growing an early-stage effort (OTA, prototype, SBIR) into a program of record or major program of record funding line
• Working knowledge of Navy and Marine Corps acquisition processes, including the roles of PEOs, resource sponsors, and requirements officers across the PPBE cycle
• Existing relationships with, or demonstrated ability to quickly build credibility among, Navy/Marine Corps PEOs, program offices, or equivalent budget and requirements stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree
• Active or reinstatable DoD Secret clearance; willingness and eligibility to obtain a higher clearance level (Top Secret preferred)

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in a related field
• Direct experience with, or exposure to, INDOPACOM priorities, exercises, or basing considerations relevant to unmanned systems
• Direct operational experience with Navy or Marine Corps unmanned aircraft systems, ISR, or related mission areas (prior military service, fleet support, or test and evaluation background)
• Familiarity with hydrogen propulsion, Group 2/3 UAS, or long-endurance unmanned systems
• Experience with Blue UAS and NDAA compliance considerations as they affect Navy/Marine Corps procurement decisions
• Existing familiarity with NAVAIR, NAVSEA, MCSC, or DIU processes and points of contact

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel frequently (up to 50%) via air and ground transportation to customer sites, conferences, and demonstrations across the continental U.S., including Hampton Roads, Quantico, and Patuxent River.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing at a workstation) for extended periods while working on a computer, attending meetings, or participating in video conferences.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, by phone, and in virtual settings, including presenting to large audiences at industry days, conferences, and customer briefings.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during trade shows, live demonstrations, Fleet/MEF engagements, and site visits, which may include outdoor environments such as airfields or test ranges.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and transport materials such as luggage, trade show displays, marketing materials, or demonstration equipment weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to view computer screens and read detailed documents (proposals, solicitations, budget materials) for prolonged periods.

Benefits Overview: 
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.