Weapons Manufacturing Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Ascentec Engineering is seeking an experienced Director or Senior Manager of Business Development – Defense & Military Programs to lead the company's strategic growth initiatives within the U.S. defense and military markets. This individual will be responsible for identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities with prime contractors, government agencies, and defense-related customers.

The candidate must have an established network within the defense industry, a strong understanding of military procurement processes, and a proven track record of winning manufacturing programs involving precision-machined components, complex assemblies, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Experience supporting defense, naval weapons systems, munitions and missile systems, space, and satellite markets is highly desirable.

This role will serve as the key member of the commercial leadership team and help position Ascentec as a preferred manufacturing partner for defense and military applications.

This position is U.S. Based, preferably near key defense hubs. Anticipated travel is 30-50%. This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship.

Strategic Business Development:

• Develop and execute a multi-year defense market growth strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue opportunities with:
• Prime defense contractors
• Tier 1 defense suppliers
• Department of Defense organizations
• Military research laboratories
• Defense innovation organizations
• Build a robust pipeline of new business opportunities and maintain accurate forecasts
• Develop account penetration strategies for target customers

Customer Relationship Management:

• Establish executive-level relationships within major defense organizations
• Serve as the primary commercial contact for strategic defense accounts
• Represent Ascentec at industry conferences, trade shows, defense forums, and customer meetings
• Coordinate customer visits to U.S. and international manufacturing facilities

Opportunity Capture & Proposal Support:

• Lead opportunity qualification, capture planning, and pursuit strategies
• Coordinate internal teams to support RFQs, RFPs, and technical proposal submissions
• Develop winning value propositions emphasizing:
• Precision machining capabilities
• Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
• Complex CNC manufacturing
• Supply chain resilience
• Quality and regulatory compliance
• Manage the sales process from prospecting through contract award.

Market Intelligence:

• Monitor defense budgets, procurement trends, and emerging programs.
• Identify opportunities related to:
• Naval systems
• Missiles and munitions
• Space and launch systems
• Unmanned systems
• Military aircraft
• Ground combat systems
• Directed energy and advanced technologies
• Analyze competitive positioning and recommend strategic investments.

Internal Leadership:

• Collaborate with operations, engineering, quality, and executive leadership to align growth initiatives.
• Provide voice-of-customer insights to guide investments and capability development.
• Support strategic planning and annual revenue forecasting.
• Assist in evaluating potential partnerships and teaming arrangements.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or related fields.
• Engineering degree and MBA are preferred.

Experience:

Director Level:

• 10+ years of business development, capture management, or sales leadership experience within defense, aerospace, or military markets.
• Proven history of generating and winning significant defense manufacturing programs.
• Existing network of relationships within qualified defense primes and procurement organizations.
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar opportunity pipelines.

Senior Manager Level:

• 7+ years of defense-focused business development experience.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic accounts and securing new business.
• Strong understanding of defense procurement and contracting processes.

Industry Knowledge:

Strong understanding of:

• DoD acquisition processes
• Prime contractor supply chains
• ITAR and export compliance
• AS9100 and aerospace quality systems
• Precision machining and manufacturing operations
• Government contracting environments

Preferred Experience:

Experience working with one or more of the following:

• Lockheed Martin
• Boeing Defense
• Northrop Grumman
• RTX (Raytheon)
• General Dynamics
• BAE Systems
• L3Harris
• Huntington Ingalls
• Anduril Industries
• Sierra Space
• U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, or Space Force programs

Experience selling:

• Precision-machined and Friction-Stir-Welding components and solutions
• Aerospace structures
• High-reliability assemblies
• Complex CNC manufacturing services

Compensation:

Senior Manager, Business Development – Defense & Military Applications:

• Salary Starts at $130,000 per year and may be higher based on experience, skills, and qualifications
• Annual Discretionary Commission, based on performance metrics: Commission earnings of 20%+ of base salary, with additional upside based on performance

Director, Business Development – Defense & Military Applications:

• Salary Starts at $150,000 per year and may be higher based on experience, skills, and qualifications
• Annual Discretionary Commission, based on performance metrics: Commission earnings of 35%+ of base salary, with additional upside based on performance

Benefits:

• Dental and Medical w/vision coverage insurance plans offered
• STD/LTD & Life insurance plans offered
• FSA and DCA available
• PTO and Holiday pay
• Immediate 100% vesting Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement saving plan with matching contributions
• Educational aid program available
• Purchase discounts, membership discounts, and many other incentives

Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.

Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.?