1

Freelance Defense Business Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Business Development Director, Aerospace & Defense - Remote | US - Advanced Materials 🛰️ We are searching for an experienced Business Development Director to help accelerate growth across the US ...

Due to significant growth, Brad Foote Gear Works is adding a Business Development Manager ... S. defense industrial base. This role develops and executes a defense-focused growth strategy ...

Be Seen First

The ideal candidate will possess significant Department of Defense business development experience, including a strong understanding of U.S. Army acquisition and procurement processes, and a ...

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 Industry. This role ...

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 ...

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 Industry. This role ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Defense Business Development information

See salary details

$13.5K

$75.5K

$129.5K

How much do freelance defense business development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance defense business development in the United States is $75,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance defense business development professional?

A Freelance Defense Business Development professional is an independent contractor who helps defense companies identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and contracts. They leverage their industry knowledge and network to connect clients with government or military agencies, prime contractors, or international markets. Their work often includes market research, proposal writing, strategic planning, and negotiating deals, all tailored to the unique requirements of the defense sector.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance defense business development professionals when working with government clients?

Freelance defense business development professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating complex government procurement processes, adhering to strict compliance and security regulations, and managing lengthy sales cycles. Building trust and credibility as an independent contractor can also require extra effort compared to established firms. Additionally, freelancers must stay updated on ever-changing defense industry trends and maintain strong networks to identify and pursue new opportunities effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance defense business development professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Defense Business Development professional, you need expertise in defense industry markets, strategic sales, and strong networking abilities, often supported by a relevant degree or military experience. Familiarity with CRM software, government contracting platforms like SAM.gov, and compliance with ITAR regulations is essential. Outstanding negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills help you secure contracts and maintain client trust. These skills are vital to identify opportunities, navigate complex procurement processes, and successfully grow business in the defense sector.

What is the difference between Freelance Defense Business Development vs Defense Sales Representative?

AspectFreelance Defense Business Development

Freelance Defense Business Development involves independently identifying new business opportunities, building client relationships, and developing strategic partnerships within the defense industry. It requires strong networking, proposal development, and industry knowledge. In contrast, a Defense Sales Representative typically works for a specific company, focusing on selling existing products or services to clients, often within a structured sales team. Both roles require industry understanding, but freelance business development emphasizes independent strategy and outreach, while sales reps focus on direct sales and client management.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Defense Business Development jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Defense Business Development job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Business Development jobs?

The most popular types of Defense Business Development jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Defense Business Development jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Defense Business Development jobs include:

Business Development Manager, Aerospace and Defense

Oerlikon

Huntersville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Business Development Manager, Aerospace and Defense
We are looking for a Business Development Manager for our Huntersville, NC facility. In this role you will be responsible for exploring Additive Manufacturing markets, engaging new and current customers, identifying opportunities, and leading capture teams to deliver profitable aerospace and defense business. This role works with leadership and all business functions to pursue and win new business.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Continually analyze the aerospace and defense market, explore trends in additive manufacturing within that market, and identify and explore key programs and opportunities
  • Identify additive manufacturing opportunities with current and new Aerospace and Defense customers and coordinate pursuit with key stakeholders
  • Target 60% of time to growing and maintaining current Aerospace and Defense customers and 40% of time to pursuing new Aerospace and Defense customers
  • Interface directly with the Commercial Team (Business Development, Program Management, Application Engineering, and Customer Service) to help secure new opportunities and business objectives
  • Align with application engineering and finance to develop competitive quotes and proposals for new business
  • Negotiate quotes, proposals, and customer agreements along with appropriate Oerlikon stakeholders
  • Understand profitability of programs and work with the Commercial Team to reprice and/or rescope programs as needed
  • Communicate actively with various stakeholders within a customer organization to manage expectations and deliverables
  • Act as the voice of the customer to internal stakeholders
  • Collaborate with other Oerlikon Aerospace and Defense teams throughout the region and globally to support corporate growth initiatives and targets
  • Work closely with Marketing and Communications to develop and publish social media and traditional media releases
  • Lead industry related activities
  • Report to the Head of Commercial

Your Profile:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, material science, or closely related discipline • Strategic mind set and outcome oriented
  • Self-driven, open and positive mind set
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Demonstrated leadership and communication skills
  • Willingness to travel for customer meetings, conferences and exhibitions (approx. 30% - 45%)
  • 5+ years of proven experience in business development in the aerospace and defense industry
  • Prior Military experience is strongly preferred
  • Strong customer orientation and experience in business and marketing strategy development with strategic, analytical, and conceptual strengths
  • Knowledge of US aerospace and defense industry primes as well as DoW organizations
  • Excellent negotiation and communication skills
  • Highly motivated, self-driven, open, and positive mindset with experience in international and cross- cultural business environments
  • In compliance with U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

We offer:
Aside from a dynamic global culture and leading market position, we are proud to offer our employees development opportunities, competitive salary and a robust benefit program ALL available on first day of employment!
The perks and benefits of working at Oerlikon include the following:
  • Comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan with low premiums, company sponsored HSA contributions and without cumbersome waiting periods to keep you going strong.
  • Excellent Dental and Vision coverage.
  • Employee Assistance, Financial and Wellness programs to help improve all aspects of your life journey.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with significant company match and financial planning and education options to help you achieve your retirement goals
  • Tuition reimbursement and internal education resources to satisfy your love of learning so you can continue to grow with us!
  • Generous paid time off to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
  • 10 observed company holidays and 2 floaters, to occasionally extend your weekends or time off.
  • 100% company paid life insurance and disability insurance
  • Employee Referral Bonus program because why not to bring your friends to work everyday!

Why Oerlikon:
Curiosity thrives at Oerlikon, and creates a dynamic, energetic and exciting environment that incubates innovation and passion to consistently improve what we do every day. This drives value for our customers and other stakeholders and helps us to enhance the performance of our products and services.
#joinoerlikonus#joinourteam
Are you curious? Then release your passion to succeed and APPLY to discover how you can help us build a better world and realize how you can make a personal difference by joining our global team! Our commitment is your success!
About us
Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high-performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, luxury, semiconductors and tooling. Head-quartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with approximately 9,500 employees, achieving sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2024.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Oerlikon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here: Know Your Rights.
If you are unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please contact us at Americas.hr@oerlikon.com or recruiter.us@oerlikon.com. This contact information is for accessibility requests only and is not intended for inquiries about the status of applications or for third-party vendor/agency requests.
Oerlikon will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Agencies
Oerlikon only accepts agency resumes for positions that have been explicitly approved by HR for third-party support. We work exclusively with our approved vendors who have agreed to Oerlikon's terms and conditions and have an executed contract in place. Any resumes or profiles submitted to Oerlikon employees for roles not approved and requested by HR will be considered unsolicited, and Oerlikon will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.
Follow Oerlikon:
LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
www.oerlikon.com
Entity code: *EQAM
Information at a Glance