Director, Business Development - Space & Defense

Northstar Earth and Space•Montreal, QC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

NorthStar is seeking an experienced business development and strategic growth leader with a strong technical background in defence, intelligence, aerospace, space systems or advanced technologies. This position is responsible for developing trusted relationships with government, defence, and industry stakeholders while helping to identify emerging operational needs and opportunities where advanced commercial space domain awareness (SDA) services can deliver mission value aligned with national government priorities.

Requirements

Background in systems engineering, space systems, mission operations, or technical space program leadership, with subsequent experience in customer-facing or commercialisation roles.
Demonstrated ability to directly communicate complex technical concepts to customers and partners.
Experience developing solution architectures, or system-level narratives in response to mission needs.
Hands-on experience contributing to and co-authoring proposals, white papers, concept notes, or technical responses.
Understanding government acquisition processes and common contracting vehicles (e.g., FFP, IDIQ, T&M).
Minimum 10 years' experience in the Canadian space or national security space ecosystem.
Canadian citizenship; active or eligible TS/SCI clearance.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, physics, astronomy, mathematics, or a related technical field; Advanced degree preferred.
Motivated by solving hard, real-world mission problems that lack clean or mature solutions.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with SDA
Experience in orbit dynamics, mission design, and mission operations.
Established relationships within the IC or National Security Space ecosystem.
Experience transitioning capabilities from R&D into operational use.

Responsibilities

Develop trusted relationships across national and allied defence organizations and industrial partners, including DND, CAF, CSA, DRDC, NATO.
Engage directly with operators, technical specialists and mission architects to understand emerging priorities.
Advance customer adoption of NorthStar’s services into operational environments.
Articulate future operational concepts, mission architectures, and capability roadmaps that leverage commercial innovation and guide Internal Research and Development (IRAD).
Work closely with customers, partners, engineering teams, and senior leadership to support market engagement, opportunity development, strategic partnerships, and long-term growth initiatives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Analyse industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategic planning.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.