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Federal Business Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Your Key Responsibilities Growth Strategy / Business Development / Capture Management: * Provide ... Participate in US Federal Strategic Planning representing major funded government programs with the ...

Your Key Responsibilities Growth Strategy / Business Development / Capture Management: * Provide ... Participate in US Federal Strategic Planning representing major funded government programs with the ...

Your Key Responsibilities Growth Strategy / Business Development / Capture Management: * Provide ... Participate in US Federal Strategic Planning representing major funded government programs with the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Federal Business Development information

See California salary details

$36K

$84.5K

$147K

How much do federal business development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal business development in California is $84,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced in a federal business development role?

Federal Business Development professionals often encounter challenges such as long and complex procurement cycles, stringent compliance requirements, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of evolving federal regulations. Navigating multiple stakeholder relationships within government agencies and competing against established contractors can also pose difficulties. However, these challenges are part of what makes the role dynamic and rewarding, as overcoming them requires strategic thinking, persistence, and collaboration with cross-functional teams like proposal writers, legal experts, and technical staff. By proactively addressing these challenges, you can help your organization secure significant government contracts and foster lasting client partnerships.

What is a federal business development?

A Federal Business Development job focuses on identifying, pursuing, and securing business opportunities within the U.S. government sector. Professionals in this role develop relationships with federal agencies, understand government procurement processes, and align their company's offerings with agency needs. They analyze market trends, track government contracts, and collaborate with proposal teams to submit competitive bids. Strong knowledge of federal regulations, budgeting cycles, and contract vehicles is essential.

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

To excel in Federal Business Development, you need a deep understanding of federal procurement processes, government contracting regulations (such as FAR), and sales strategy, often backed by experience or a relevant degree. Familiarity with CRM platforms, contract management tools, and certifications like Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) are highly advantageous. Outstanding networking, relationship-building, and persuasive communication skills help candidates distinguish themselves in this field. These competencies are vital for navigating the complexities of federal contracting and driving business growth within governmental markets.

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Business Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Federal Business Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Federal Business Development jobs in California? For Federal Business Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Federal Business Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Federal Business Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Federal Business Development job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,481 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Director, Federal Business Development - Maritime Programs

Marine Group Boat Works

Chula Vista, CA • On-site

$170K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

The primary focus of the Director of Federal Business Development - Maritime Programs is expanding Marine Group Boat Works' presence with the U.S. Navy, including opportunities administered by NAVSEA, Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC), other Regional Maintenance Centers (RMCs), Program Executive Offices (PEOs), and major defense contractors.
In addition, this position will be responsible for identifying and pursuing strategic growth opportunities with the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal maritime agencies where Marine Group Boat Works' capabilities provide a competitive advantage.
This is not a traditional proposal-writing or RFP-response role. The primary purpose of this position is to identify, qualify, shape, and capture opportunities well before they reach solicitation.
The role will focus on expanding Marine Group Boat Works' federal footprint through opportunities involving vessel repair, maintenance, modernization, ship alterations, installation work, and waterfront services performed both within our shipyard and at government facilities, naval bases, Coast Guard installations, and aboard government vessels throughout the United States and abroad, including both CONUS and OCONUS work opportunities.
Location: Remote work may be considered.
Relocation: Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible candidates.
Compensation: The compensation range includes both base salary and bonus incentive opportunity.
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute a federal maritime business development and capture strategy, with the Navy as the primary focus.
  • Identify and qualify opportunities 12-36 months before solicitation.
  • Build relationships with NAVSEA, SWRMC, other RMCs, PMS offices, contracting personnel, technical representatives, and major defense contractors.
  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships with the U.S. Coast Guard, including SFLC, base commands, contracting offices, and supporting prime contractors.
  • Identify CONUS and OCONUS opportunities where Marine Group Boat Works can perform work at customer facilities, Navy bases, Coast Guard installations, shipboard locations, or other remote sites.
  • Develop capture plans, win strategies, teaming approaches, and customer engagement plans.
  • Position Marine Group Boat Works for prime and subcontract opportunities.
  • Maintain a qualified opportunity pipeline with estimated value, timing, customer, contract vehicle, probability of win, and next actions.
  • Lead bid/no-bid recommendations in coordination with executive leadership.
  • Coordinate with estimating, contracts, operations, and proposal support teams, but not serve as the primary proposal writer.
  • Provide regular capture updates to executive leadership.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
  • 5+ years of Navy, Coast Guard, Department of Defense, or federal maritime business development experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in capture management, opportunity shaping, and customer relationship development.
  • Strong understanding of NAVSEA, SWRMC, RMC, Coast Guard, and federal maritime contracting environments.
  • Existing relationships within Navy, Coast Guard, federal maritime, or major defense contractor communities.
  • Experience identifying or supporting work performed outside a contractor's home facility, including CONUS and OCONUS field service or shipboard opportunities.
  • Strong judgment, professionalism, and ability to operate independently.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required security access or clearances.

Preferred Background
  • Former Navy, Coast Guard, acquisition, port engineer, ship repair, program management, or senior defense industry business development background.
  • Experience with NAVSEA, Coast Guard, IDIQ, MAC, SeaPort, or prime/subcontracting strategies.
  • Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, government procurement timelines, and small business contracting strategies.
  • Prior experience supporting deployed, remote, pier-side, shipboard, or OCONUS work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strategic, relationship-focused professional with a consultative approach.
  • Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
  • Credible and effective in engaging with Navy, Coast Guard, and defense industry stakeholders.
  • Disciplined in pipeline and opportunity management.
  • Comfortable interacting with senior executives and decision-makers.
  • Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and persistence.
  • Focused on long-term customer partnerships and strategic growth.
  • Strong written, verbal, and basic quantitative skills.
  • Ability to interpret and apply documents, policies, and instructions.
  • Produces accurate, thorough, and high-quality work.
  • Adaptable to changing priorities, assignments, and work locations.
  • Reliable, dependable, and collaborative team contributor.

Language Ability:
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job are medium/heavy in nature.
  • Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, speak, and hear during meetings, presentations, and customer engagements.
  • Ability to travel to naval bases, shipyards, waterfront facilities, government installations, and customer locations.
  • Ability to access and navigate shipyards, dry docks, piers, vessels, and industrial work environments, which may require climbing ladders, ascending and descending stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, and moving through confined spaces aboard vessels.
  • Ability to conduct vessel, facility, and project site visits in varying weather and environmental conditions.
  • Must be able to lift and carry materials such as laptops, presentation equipment, and business materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to remain mobile for extended periods during site visits, industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings.
  • Must be able to comply with all safety requirements and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, and flotation devices when required.
  • Visual ability to read documents, technical specifications, reports, and electronic communications.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment, computers, and mobile devices.

Work Environment
  • Combination of office, shipyard, waterfront, vessel, and government installation environments.
  • Regular interaction with military personnel, government representatives, shipyard personnel, and defense industry partners.
  • Exposure to industrial environments that may include noise, moving equipment, elevated work areas, and marine-related conditions.

Salary Description
$170k-$300K, inclusive of base & incentive comp