Director Business Development

Sierra Nevada Corporation • Herndon, VA

3d

About The Position

As Director of Business Development for the i3 and Data Solutions (iDS) portfolio, you will lead growth initiatives across our Vindler commercial satellite, Intel Lakehouse, and emerging technology product lines. In this role, you will identify and qualify new business opportunities, develop and execute capture strategies, and engage customers across the intelligence community, defense agencies, and the commercial space sector. Success requires strong familiarity with the commercial RF satellite market, customer mission needs, and government acquisition pathways. You will stay current on market trends, IC budget priorities, and the competitive landscape through continuous customer engagement—including the ability to maintain an active presence “walking the halls” within the IC and related mission partners. The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 17 years of related experience is required. Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• 13+ years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of one or more of the following disciplines: business development, capture management, program management, science and engineering programs, acquisition processes, opportunity identification and qualification.
• Demonstrated experience in the commercial satellite market, including familiarity with Radio Frequency Data as well as payloads, buses, ground systems, or constellation operations.
• Active relationships or demonstrated access within the intelligence community
• Experience developing and executing capture plans for complex technical offerings.
• Strong understanding of U.S. Government acquisition processes, IC customer buying behaviors, and space‑related procurement.
• Proven ability to work with senior leadership and government decision‑makers.
• Working knowledge and experience with engineering support acquisition organizations.
• Experience developing account plans and capture plans for new business opportunities.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense (Civilian), Foreign Military Sales, and/or US Military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, intelligence, and adjacent markets.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.
• U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with advanced satellite technologies, commercial space architectures, or hybrid‑space solutions.
• Experience engaging with commercial satellite customers, integrators, and mission data users.
• Understanding of cloud‑native data architectures, data fusion, and analytics concepts
• Previous leadership of cross‑functional capture teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and executive‑level presentation skills.
• Ability to translate customer needs into technical requirements and product roadmaps.
• Knowledge of DoD and IC budgeting, PPBE cycles, and multi‑year investment planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development strategy and execution for the iDS portfolio, with primary focus on our Vindler commercial RF satellites and Intel Lakehouse offerings.
• Utilize RFP portals to identify, shape, and pursue high‑value opportunities within the intelligence community and commercial space markets.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships within the IC, Service intel elements, and relevant mission partners.
• Represent iDS portfolio especially its satellite and data intelligence capabilities at industry events, trade shows, and classified forums.
• Oversee full‑lifecycle capture activities from opportunity identification through proposal submission.
• Conduct detailed assessments of commercial satellite trends, customer needs, competitive solutions, and market positioning.
• Develop and present customer‑focused messaging, technology roadmaps, and win strategies aligned to iDS objectives.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams (engineering, program management, finance, strategy) to develop technically sound and competitive offerings.
• Provide accurate pipeline reporting, forecasts, and competitive intelligence to senior leadership.
• Manage a BD team and mentor capture personnel supporting the iDS portfolio.
• Work closely with iDS counter parts to ensure proper budgeting and group is expected to meet revenue & order goals

Benefits

• SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more
• SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees