Defense Growth and Business Development Lead

Ridgeline International • Tysons, VA

2d

About The Position

We are hiring a Defense Growth and Business Development Lead to drive Ridgeline’s expansion within the defense market. Priority account areas include USSOCOM, USCYBERCOM, and INDOPACOM. This is a high-impact, individual contributor role designed for a "problem-solver" who understands how specialized operations actually work—and knows how to turn early technical pilots into scalable, repeatable programs. This is not transactional sales; it is relationship-driven growth in high-trust, classified environments where mission intimacy and technical credibility are the primary levers for success. You will be joining a specialized growth team that values technical depth over "slick sales" pitches. We offer a high-trust environment where you have the autonomy to solve hard problems while being supported by a world-class technical team and flexible contract vehicles.

Requirements

• Active TS Clearance: (TS/SCI preferred).
• Domain Intimacy: Direct experience or "intimacy knowledge" within the defense community with a priority on USSOCOM, USCYBERCOM and service components, or the INDOPACOM theater.
• Technical Depth: A background in network communications, cyber operations, or technical services to maintain credibility with technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated Scale: Proven ability to navigate the transition between small technical successes and larger, enduring programs.
• Mobility: Willingness to travel frequently to key mission hubs to meet with customers and industry.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with federal procurement process including including contracting vehicles (e.g., GSA, SEWP, OTAs), budgeting cycles, and certifications (e.g., FedRAMP, DoDIN APL).
• 3+ years of proven experience in federal solutions or growth.
• Experience in a high-growth technology company or with technical program management in areas like software development or systems engineering.
• Experience managing a robust pipeline of opportunities valued at $25M+.

Responsibilities

• Vertical Growth: Drive new business growth by leveraging strong operator credibility and existing networks.
• Strategic Problem Solving: Analyze complex operational needs in secure, classified domains and map Ridgeline’s solutions to address challenges in communications and mission coordination.
• Partnership Ecosystem: Engage large primes and industry partners as a key lever to gain momentum and scale our market share.
• Opportunity Shaping: Lead the development of strategic outreach materials—including white papers, technical briefs, and proposals—that resonate with executive and operational leaders.
• Market Presence: Represent Ridgeline at industry forums, private briefings, and technical demonstrations to elevate brand awareness and opportunity capture.

Benefits

• Flexible PTO + holidays
• Generous 401k match benefit up to 10%, with an automatic 3% safe harbor contribution and additional matching based on employee contributions.
• Medical (HSA & PPO Plans Available), dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Employer Contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Professional coaching services
• Get the technology you want to do your job
• We have free daily snacks & drinks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees