Business Development Manager

Aston Carter•La Cañada Flintridge, CA

7d•$40 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced business development professional with a strong background specifically in the space industry. This role requires hands‑on experience identifying space‑sector sales and partnering opportunities, cultivating customer and partner relationships, and generating competitive proposals and quotes. The ideal candidate has deep familiarity with space systems, spacecraft, rockets, and space‑based technologies, and will play a critical role in driving growth and maintaining strong relationships within the space and defense sectors (not general aerospace).

Requirements

5+ years of direct experience in the space industry (space systems, spacecraft, launch vehicles, or satellite technologies).
5+ years in business development, inside sales, quote generation, or proposal coordination — specifically supporting space or defense‑space programs.
Strong understanding of technical specifications and standards for rockets, spacecraft, space avionics, and space‑based systems.
Experience handling bids/proposals, RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and quotations within the space sector.
Ability to independently sell and communicate highly technical space‑related products.
Bachelor’s degree preferred; Master’s degree ideal (Business, Engineering, Space Systems, or similar).
Knowledge of ITAR, FAR, and DFAR regulations.
Ability to build and maintain strong industry relationships within space agencies, launch providers, satellite manufacturers, and space‑technology companies.

Nice To Haves

Estimation experience is a plus.
Existing relationships with major space industry players (e.g., NASA, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, JPL, etc.) are highly desirable.
Experience transitioning from engineering to business development — particularly within space systems — is an advantage.

Responsibilities

Develop and sustain effective customer and partner relationships across the space industry ecosystem, including commercial space, government space programs, and defense‑related space applications.
Identify, qualify, and track space‑focused sales leads and strategic partnering opportunities.
Coordinate the generation of proposals, work scope, milestone schedules, and price quotes for space‑industry opportunities.
Lead contract negotiations in coordination with management.
Support marketing and branding initiatives, including attending trade shows and conferences related to space, satellites, launch vehicles, and space systems.
Work closely with internal teams, including engineers, to support technical and business development efforts within the space domain.
Provide regular reporting on leads, opportunities, contract actions, customer feedback, and market trends within the space sector.
Conduct limited cold outreach while managing a high volume of inbound space‑industry RFPs/RFQs.
Assist the outside sales team by prospecting and developing new space‑focused business opportunities.