International 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 globally. As the International Capture Director, you will serve as the strategic bridge between global Business Development and Mission Management, driving Varda’s expansion across the international defense, aerospace, and space intelligence markets. Based on-site in Huntsville, AL, you will own the end-to-end capture lifecycle for foreign opportunities, orchestrate complex cross-border campaigns, and continuously optimize our international capture processes and toolsets. In this role, you will lead formal Color Team reviews, execute "Black Hat" competitive assessments for foreign and domestic customers, and architect sophisticated international Price-to-Win (PTW) strategies. You will directly accelerate the growth of Varda’s, Hypersonic Test Bed, Targets-as-a-Service (TaaS), and Orbital Cargo portfolio by securing multi-million dollar contracts with allied ministries of defense, international aerospace conglomerates, and global R&D entities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in international business/marketing, Engineering, Science, Global Affairs, or a related technical discipline.
- 7+ years of dedicated capture management or business development experience within the international aerospace, defense, or national security technology sectors.
- Proven track record leading end-to-end international defense captures via FMS or DCS tracks from opportunity identification through contract award.
- Demonstrated experience navigating ITAR, EAR, export control compliance, and cross-border technology transfers.
- Experience directing matrixed, cross-functional proposal teams, including engineering, pricing, legal, and international trade compliance officers.
- Exceptional written skills with a demonstrated ability to author compelling white papers, executive summaries, and technical proposals accessible to a global audience.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance (or the ability to be fast-tracked for one).
- Ability to travel 35% – 50% of the time, including extensive international travel.
- U.S. Citizenship 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, Global Security, or Engineering.
- Established professional network within allied defense ministries (e.g., Japan MoD, UK MoD, Australian DoD, NATO), global hypersonic communities, or international missile defense agencies.
- Familiarity with international space frameworks, multilateral defense agreements, and academic research funding mechanisms.
- Experience utilizing modern AI-driven capture tools and advanced prompt-engineering techniques to optimize international proposal workflows.
Responsibilities
- Identify, qualify, and capture high-value international defense solicitations across allied foreign governments, international defense agencies, and commercial aerospace R&D entities.
- Assume full accountability for international proposals at the handoff gate, driving the strategy through US regulatory compliance, multi-nation evaluations, contract negotiation, and closure.
- Apply deep expertise in Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), ITAR/EAR regulations, and international space treaties to structure compliant and secure international testbed, orbital cargo and target pursuits.
- Partner with Mission Management to execute global "keep-sold" strategies, deepening penetration within existing international accounts and cross-border defense partnerships.
- Conduct rigorous global go/no-go assessments, evaluating international customer alignment, geopolitical risk, competitive positioning, and financial ROI.
- Analyze allied nations' defense budget documents and processes, procurement cycles, and geopolitical threat landscapes to map program schedules and funding profiles.
- Coordinate with engineering, pricing, legal, and mission management to translate complex technical specs into winning proposal frameworks tailored for international clients.
- Cultivate trusted, high-level relationships across foreign government agencies, US military attachés, US Embassies, and global private defense industry leaders to embed key discriminators into Varda's offerings.
- Represent Varda as a global thought leader at premier international defense conferences, air shows (e.g., Paris, Farnborough), and global symposia to expand the brand's international footprint.
Benefits
- 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
- Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
