Business Development Director (Hypersonics & Strategic Missile)

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

In this role, you will lead business development for the hypersonic and strategic missile defense market, driving growth by advancing Karman technologies and engaging customers across the defense ecosystem. You will shape solution strategies, strengthen customer relationships, support capture efforts, and guide long‑term market expansion efforts. You will collaborate closely with engineering, program management, and operations to maximize competitiveness, improve PWin, and support mission‑critical defense programs.

Responsibilities

• Builds strong customer relationships by understanding needs and tailoring Karman solutions to meet mission objectives.
• Communicates regularly with customers and stakeholders across multiple mediums to ensure responsiveness and high‑quality engagement.
• Represents Karman at industry events, conferences, and customer forums.
• Supports product area teams in achieving sales growth targets by contributing to bid and proposal strategies, roadmaps, and customer engagement plans.
• Develops product and market growth strategies to drive new business opportunities, proposals, and bookings.
• Leads capture strategy development including price‑to‑win (PWin) assessment, competitive intelligence, risk analysis, and solution strategy.
• Partners with engineering, business development, and operations to develop long‑term roadmaps aligned with market trends.
• Tracks sales performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) including bookings, revenue, margin, and customer satisfaction.
• Produces and manages customer‑relationship‑management (CRM) data to track and improve conversion rates from lead to contract.
• Supports financial forecasting to articulate market trends, strategic direction, and customer feedback to leadership.
• Supports negotiations on pricing, delivery schedules, and contractual terms to ensure competitive and profitable outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Five or more years of experience in aerospace, propulsion, or defense.
• Demonstrated success in business development, sales, program management, or engineering for defense systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten or more years of experience in aerospace, spacecraft, satellite, or defense.
• Experience working with prime contractors or government customers.
• Experience with CRM and financial forecasting tools.
• Ability to present highly technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel more than 25-50 percent.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD\&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.