VP of Federal Sales

Firehawk Aerospace is redefining solid rocket propulsion with its patented 3D-printed solid rocket motor technology, delivering scalable, cost-effective, and mission-ready solutions for the U.S. military. As we expand our presence within the Department of Defense (DoD), we are seeking a highly motivated Vice President of Federal Sales to drive growth across SBIR/STTR, STRATFI/TACFI, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, and larger production contracts, including IDIQs and direct DoD acquisitions.

This role is critical in establishing Firehawk as the leading provider of next-generation propulsion for missile systems, tactical propulsion, and hypersonics. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the defense procurement process, existing DoD relationships, and a track record of winning contracts across early-stage R&D, prototyping, and full-rate production programs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Account Management

• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders across the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, DARPA, DIU, and other DoD agencies, as well as major prime contractors.
• 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:
• SBIR Phase II & III contracts and transitioning them into larger STRATFI/TACFI or OTA agreements.
• Larger DoD contracts such as IDIQs, direct DoD procurements, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) opportunities.
• Production-scale solid rocket motor contracts as Firehawk moves from R&D into full-rate production.
• Meet and exceed aggressive sales targets, ensuring a strong pipeline of revenue-generating DoD programs.
  
  

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 go-to-market strategy with mission-critical requirements.
• Work cross-functionally with Firehawk’s engineering, finance, and executive teams to develop compelling proposals tailored to DoD needs.
  
  

Proposal Development & Capture Strategy

• Lead capture efforts for major DoD propulsion programs, developing winning strategies across SBIR, OTAs, and full-scale production contracts.
• Develop and execute long-term strategic growth plans (2026-2028) to position Firehawk for inclusion in DoD program of record 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 in related field or equivalent formal training.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in federal sales, business development, or government contracting, with at least 5 years focused on DoD propulsion, missile systems, or defense technology sales.
• Proven success securing DoD contracts across multiple funding pathways, including SBIR/STTR, OTA agreements, STRATFI/TACFI, and large-scale production contracts.
• Existing relationships within DoD acquisition offices (e.g., Army RCCTO, Air Force AFRL, DARPA, MDA, DIU) and major prime contractors.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Identify $100M in pipeline for DoD propulsion and missile system opportunities.
• Secure SBIR Phase III transitions into larger DoD programs (e.g., STRATFI/TACFI, IDIQs, LRIP, FRP).
• Generate 70% of own pipeline through direct prospecting and strategic relationships.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and proposal-writing skills.
• Deep understanding of DoD procurement processes, acquisition pathways, and prime contractor business development strategies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment, taking ownership of the federal sales strategy with minimal support.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters of Business Administration or advanced degree preferred.
• Active or eligible security clearance (Secret or above preferred).
• Experience working with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, DARPA, 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 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.

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.