Domestic Capture Director
About The Position
Varda Space Industries is pioneering the future of space-based manufacturing and terrestrial reentry technologies. We support a diverse portfolio of customers, from pharmaceutical companies leveraging microgravity for novel product development to domestic and international defense partners utilizing our Hypersonic and Reentry testbed. Our Reentry Targets offerings validate cutting-edge missile defense capabilities for the U.S. government, allied nations, private industry, and elite academic institutions. As the Capture Director, you will serve as the strategic bridge between Business Development and Mission Management. You will own the end-to-end capture lifecycle for opportunities transitioned from Business Development, drive "keep-sold" expansion activities, and continuously optimize our capture processes and toolsets. In this role, you will lead formal Color Team reviews, execute "Black Hat" competitive assessments, and orchestrate Price-to-Win (PTW) strategies. Based on-site in Huntsville, AL, you will directly accelerate the growth of Varda’s Test-as-a-Service (TaaS) portfolio across domestic and international defense, aerospace, and space intelligence markets.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of dedicated capture management or business development experience within the DoD aerospace, defense, or national security technology sectors.
- Proven track record leading end-to-end defense captures from opportunity identification through contract award.
- Experience directing cross-functional proposal teams, including engineering, pricing, legislative affairs, and operations.
- Exceptional written skills with a demonstrated ability to author compelling white papers, executive summaries, and technical proposals.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance (or the ability to be fast-tracked for one).
- Ability to travel 25% – 50% of the time, including international travel.
- U.S. Citizenship or Green Card holder required to conform with ITAR and U.S. space technology export control regulations.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Studies, or Engineering.
- Established professional network within the DoD hypersonic, reentry test, or missile defense communities.
- Deep familiarity with the DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process.
- Familiarity with international space frameworks and academic research funding mechanisms.
- Experience utilizing modern AI-driven capture tools and advanced prompt-engineering techniques to optimize proposal workflows.
Responsibilities
- Qualify and capture high-value defense solicitations across the MDA, USSF, USAF, USN, USA, SOCOM, Combatant Commands, FFRDCs/UARCs, and commercial R&D entities.
- Assume full accountability for proposals at the handoff gate, driving the strategy through proposal development, compliance, evaluations, contract negotiation, and closure.
- Partner with Mission Management to execute "keep-sold" strategies and deepen penetration within existing accounts (USAF, USSF, MDA, DoD).
- Conduct rigorous go/no-go assessments, evaluating customer alignment, competitive positioning, and financial ROI.
- Analyze DoD budget exhibits to map program schedules, funding profiles, and procurement strategies.
- Coordinate with engineering, pricing, legal, and mission management to translate complex technical specs into winning proposal frameworks.
- Cultivate trusted relationships across government agencies, international partners, and private industry to understand customer pain points and embed key discriminators into Varda's offerings.
- Apply deep knowledge of Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), and ITAR/EAR regulations to secure international testbed and target pursuits.
- Represent Varda at key defense conferences, industry days, and symposia to expand the brand's footprint.
Benefits
- Base Salary Range: $200,000.00 - $220,000.00 / year
- Eligible for long-term incentives including stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
- Access to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
- Full-time, Exempt classification.
- Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
