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Freelance Defense Business Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ROUSH

Business Development Manager - Defense

Troy, MI · On-site

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 ...

ROUSH

Business Development Manager - Defense

Troy, MI · On-site

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 ...

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Santa Fe, NM · On-site +1

Remote Job Schedule: 9/80 As a Business Development Principal, you will have the exciting opportunity help solve the most complex problems our Department of Defense and United States Air Force ...

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Boise, ID · On-site +1

Remote Job Schedule: 9/80 As a Business Development Principal, you will have the exciting opportunity help solve the most complex problems our Department of Defense and United States Air Force ...

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

Remote Job Schedule: 9/80 As a Business Development Principal, you will have the exciting opportunity help solve the most complex problems our Department of Defense and United States Air Force ...

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Remote Job Schedule: 9/80 As a Business Development Principal, you will have the exciting opportunity help solve the most complex problems our Department of Defense and United States Air Force ...

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Hartford, CT · On-site +1

Remote Job Schedule: 9/80 As a Business Development Principal, you will have the exciting opportunity help solve the most complex problems our Department of Defense and United States Air Force ...

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

Remote Job Schedule: 9/80 As a Business Development Principal, you will have the exciting opportunity help solve the most complex problems our Department of Defense and United States Air Force ...

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Freelance Defense Business Development information

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$13.5K

$75.5K

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

As of Aug 12, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Freelance Defense Business Development jobs near you

Business Development Manager, Defense

Whisper Aero

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Our Company
Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that's as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee.
About the Role
Whisper Aero is seeking a Business Development Manager, Defense in either Nashville, TN, Washington, D.C., or hybrid (1 week onsite per month in Crossville or Nashville, TN). The Business Development Manager, Defense at Whisper Aero focuses on driving growth in the defense sector by identifying opportunities, managing key relationships, and promoting our innovative technologies. You will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to align our products with defense industry needs, directly contributing to our market expansion and business strategies.
What You'll Do
  • Identify, pursue, and capture new business opportunities within the defense sector, aligning with Whisper Aero's growth objectives.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key defense stakeholders, including government entities, end users, and contractors, to foster trust and collaboration.
  • Collaborate with internal product and engineering teams, such as product and engineering, to ensure alignment between customer needs, product offerings, and messaging.
  • Attend major government customer meetings and engagements to ensure contracts awarded stay awarded or expanded and expectations that are set can remain upheld.
  • Provide feedback to design and product teams for collateral that would be used for customer engagements (e.g., handouts, presentations, booth designs, webpages, social media)
  • Facilitate discussions with our supply chain and engineering team to assist in supplier/customer outreach, partnership discussions, contract execution (MSA, NDA, SoW, etc.)
  • Compose and support the development and submission of compelling proposals for government contract opportunities, ensuring compliance with regulations and alignment with company goals.
  • Represent Whisper Aero to external stakeholders by articulating our value proposition, competitive edge, and technological advancements through presentations and discussions at company events and industry events.
  • Contribute to the development of business strategies and roadmaps for the defense sector, informed by market trends, customer feedback, and industry insights.
  • Monitor defense policy, budgets, and relevant Department of War (DoW) programs to identify emerging opportunities and stay ahead of industry trends.
  • Develop stakeholder mappings for our defense programs inclusive of contacts at the DoW, suppliers, customers, competitors.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) related field required.
  • Must meet U.S. Person status.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in defense-related business development, program management, or acquisition roles.
  • Experience working with government contracting teams and working on government contracts of various types
  • Experience negotiating data assertions with a knowledge of the differences between SBIR data rights, GPR, or other types of data rights
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
  • Strong understanding of defense policies, budget cycles, and the defense/national security industry.
  • Experience with DoW programs, platforms, and enabling technologies.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders, including government entities and industry partners.
  • Willingness and ability to travel (approximately 25% to 50% of work time).

Bonus Qualifications
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
  • Existing TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Experience with government small business contracting, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Other Transaction Authority (OTA) processes.
  • Familiarity with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or piloted aircraft platforms.
  • Established relationships with Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and decision-makers within the DoD.
  • Familiarity developing workflows with AI tools like Claude Code, Codex (not just ChatGPT)

Benefits:
  • Top-tier Benefits: Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings
  • PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
  • Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee's no-income-tax life
  • End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
  • We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
  • 401(k)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Professional Development Stipend

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

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