VP of Business Development

Position Overview

Firehawk Aerospace is looking for a Vice President of Business Development & Strategy to drive growth initiatives and maintain a robust pipeline of new opportunities. In this role, you will collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to expand our impact in all relevant markets. This role is responsible for developing and implementing the company-wide business strategy. This includes development and review of growth initiatives, diversification, and financial business plans. This is your chance to shape the future of defense innovation with a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

Responsibilities:Strategic Account Management

• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders across the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and other DoD agencies, as well as major prime contractors and international partnerships.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to DoD customers, aligning Firehawk’s propulsion solutions with critical defense needs.
• Identify and pursue opportunities within the missile defense, tactical weapons, and hypersonic propulsion sectors.
  
  

Expand Firehawk’s footprint beyond R&D contracts into larger production and sustainment programs.

Sales Execution

• Own the full sales cycle, from lead generation through contract negotiation and award.
• Drive revenue growth by securing: o SBIR Phase II & III contracts and transitioning them into larger agreements.
• Larger DoD contracts such as IDIQs, direct DoD procurements, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) opportunities. oProduction-scale solid rocket motor contracts as Firehawk moves from R&D into full-rate production.
• Meet and exceed aggressive sales targets, ensuring a strong multiyear pipeline of revenuegenerating programs and execution strategies for nearterm contractual awards within 18months.
  
  

Market & Industry Insight

• Maintain a deep understanding of DoD funding mechanisms, Program Objective Memorandum (POM) cycles, and Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) priorities to proactively position Firehawk.
• Track defense industry trends, congressional funding cycles, and emerging DoD propulsion needs to align Firehawk’s gotomarket strategy with missioncritical requirements.
• Work crossfunctionally with Firehawk’s engineering, finance, and executive teams to develop compelling proposals tailored to DoD needs.
• Maintain active competitive database of direct competitors, technology developments, and global missile systems economics.
  
  

Development & Capture Strategy

• Lead capture efforts for major DoD propulsion programs, developing winning strategies across SBIR, OTAs, and fullscale production contracts.
• Develop and execute longterm 5Year Strategic Growth plans to position Firehawk for inclusion in DoD program of record and international opportunities.
• Work closely with DoD contracting offices and prime contractors to structure agreements that accelerate Firehawk’s integration into critical defense programs.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent or formal training
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in business development with at least 10 years supporting aerospace or Department of Defense programs
• 10 years of experience as a manager or people leader
• Prior experience in support of Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and/or Missile Defense System (MDS) programs
• Ability to work on highvisibility aspects of a given program
• Ability to travel over 50% to domestic and international customers, conferences, etc.
• Proven success securing DoD contracts across multiple funding pathways,, OTA agreements, and largescale production contracts.
• Existing relationships within DoD acquisition offices (e.g., Army RCCTO, Air Force AFRL,, MDA) and major prime contractors.
• Demonstrated ability to: o Identify $3B in pipeline for DoD and International propulsion/missile system opportunities.
• Secure SBIR Phase III/OTA transitions into larger DoD programs (e.g., IDIQs, LRIP, FRP). Generate 70% of own pipeline through direct prospecting and strategic relationships.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and proposalwriting skills.
• Deep understanding of DoD procurement processes, acquisition pathways, and prime contractor business development strategies.
• Ability to thrive in a fastpaced, highgrowth startup environment, taking ownership of the federal sales strategy with minimal support.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent formal training
• Active or eligible security clearance (Secret or above preferred).
• Experience working with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, or major defense primes.
• Background in solid rocket propulsion, additive manufacturing for aerospace, or defense industrial base initiatives.
  
  

ITAR Requirements:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

Employees in these positions must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; stamina to sit and to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds; may require minimal walking, standing for extended amounts of time, climbing, crouching, and/or bending; and vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. May require the ability to travel by air or auto. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat. These positions may be expected to work varying shifts and hours to ensure successful operation of activities in the organization.

Security Clearance

May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship. Must also be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firehawk Aerospace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.