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Business Development Director, Senior (Directed Energy)

Work directly with key Army customers to lead a fast‑growing portfolio of AI‑enhanced electro‑optical targeting, tracking, and Directed Energy Systems. These technologies combine advanced optics with artificial intelligence–driven target recognition and tracking algorithms, giving warfighters a decisive edge in detection, engagement, and survivability. This portfolio is expected to be widely fielded across the DoW force structure within 24 months, with additional growth opportunities in international markets.

What You’ll Do

• Lead capture strategy for AI‑enhanced Laser Weapon Systems with customers spanning across Army, Air Force, other DOW, and prime contractors.
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with Huntsville, AL, Albuquerque, NM, and National Capital Region stakeholders.
• Shape proposals and capability briefings that emphasize our proven advantages in Laser Weapon Systems.
• Build a qualified pipeline aligned to Army modernization and soldier lethality priorities.
• Provide market intelligence, competitor assessments, and insights into Directed Energy Systems.
• Partner with engineers to ensure customer requirements translate into solutions that are operationally relevant.
• Travel & Engagement – Most engagements in the National Capital Region (NCR), Albuquerque, NM, and Huntsville, AL; occasional international travel for FMS/DCS and allied programs.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Minimum 12‑15 years of relevant Business Development experience; 10+ years in directed energy; 5+ years of defense BD/capture or acquisition experience.
• Knowledge of Directed Energy Systems, their advantages, and areas for development.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or relevant discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Established relationships in the Directed Energy ecosystem.
• Demonstrated experience in writing proposals and winning contracts within USSOCOM.
• Demonstrated success engaging with PAE Fires, Army and/or USAF acquisition offices.
• Proven understanding of domestic customer requirements, needs, and issues.
• Strong communication, networking, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to act independently to generate proposals, marketing materials, and customer presentations.
• Prior experience following a formal new business gate process and using CRM tools is a plus.

Other Qualifications and Desired Competencies

• Technical experience with Directed Energy and other DoD systems.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and modernization portfolios.
• Understanding of C5ISR, fire control, active protection, and AI/ML applications in defense.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Competitive base + performance‑based incentives tied to contract wins.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Clear career trajectory to portfolio growth that will propel your career forward.
• Collaborate with a highly technical team delivering AI‑driven solutions that will be in the hands of soldiers within 24 months.
• Be part of shaping the Army’s leap into Directed Energy systems with global reach.

Location

Multiple (Albuquerque, NM, Huntsville, AL, or National Capital Region / Washington DC)

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office environment. Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Constant).

Clearance

US citizenship required. The ideal candidate will have a SECRET level security clearance (TOP SECRET is preferred) but we will consider exceptionally qualified candidates without a security clearance. If you do not possess a security clearance at time of application, you must be willing and able to obtain a security clearance. Clearance Level: TS/SCI.

Salary Range

$152,000 – $223,650

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.