Director of BD & Sales - Aero

Gilat•Los Angeles, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Gilat Satellite Networks is a global leader in satellite communication, providing reliable, fast, and seamless solutions. The Gilat Defense division offers secure, rapid-deployment SATCOM solutions for military and HLS organizations, government agencies, and defense integrators, with a strong focus on supporting the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and allied forces. Gilat Defense delivers end-to-end solutions with multiple layers of communication redundancy, ensuring maximum operational availability and trusted performance in the toughest environments. Gilat Satellite Networks is expanding its U.S. presence, particularly within the defense and UAS ecosystem. This role is critical for promoting Gilat’s aerial portfolio across U.S. and European markets, working closely with DoD stakeholders and OEMs. The objective is to establish and grow Gilat’s presence within the U.S. DoD and DoD OEM drone ecosystem. This role requires a well-connected industry leader with deep operational, programmatic, and market experience in defense and unmanned aerial systems, capable of shaping strategy, building partnerships, and owning complex capture and growth initiatives.

Requirements

7-10 years of progressive experience in Business Development in DoD contracting environment.
Established familiarity and/or relationships within the U.S. UAV/UAS market, including aerial platform manufacturers, OEMs, integrators, and defense stakeholders.
Former military pilot background strongly preferred (rank range: Major to Lieutenant Colonel).
Four (4) year degree from an accredited university.
Strong defense background, ideally including hands-on operational experience.
Proven credibility and established network within U.S. defense, aerospace, and UAS communities.
Deep understanding of U.S. government acquisition processes and defense program structures.
Active security clearance not required but strongly preferred; must be eligible to obtain clearance if needed.
Strong executive communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver compelling presentations.
Proven Sales/Capture track record – project level or higher – that illustrates success in BD, Government Program/Project management, and general management responsibilities.
Thorough understanding of complex government processes and procedures.
Proven track record of success in Business Development in the DoD contracting environment.
Current experience with DoD facilities programs in the areas of managing scope, quality, schedule, and cost for projects at a mid and senior level.
Knowledge of decision makers, strategic direction, and major programs in the subject market space.
Collaborative leader with ability to pull together cross functional support for BD initiative.
Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree is a plus
Experience in technical writing a plus

Responsibilities

Conduct market assessments and manage business development activities to support growth throughout DoD with emphasis on military.
Identify and qualify new business development opportunities and assist in the capture management and proposal development processes.
Maintain the pipeline for new business and capture/recapture efforts of existing contracts, ensuring accuracy of the data for all opportunities assigned.
Lead the Aero defense market for the U.S. and globally, with overlay responsibility outside of Israel.
Lead and grow the UAV/UAS market, with strong consideration for export control, regulatory, and compliance constraints.
Drive strategic partnerships, opportunity capture, and long-term revenue growth across defense and UAS segments.
Establish and expand relationships with key DoD stakeholders and OEM partners, including USAF, SOCOM, Textron, Lockheed Martin, and other major defense and UAS players.
Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities, owning capture strategy and end-to-end pursuit execution.
Maintain and manage an accurate business development pipeline, including probability of win assessments, revenue projections, and forecast inputs.
Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, pre-sales, and program teams to align solutions with customer requirements.
Support development of annual and long-range strategic business plans aligned with Gilat’s defense and aerospace growth objectives.
Represent Gilat at key industry events, customer meetings, trade shows, and DoD-related forums.