Business Development Director (Tactical Missiles & Defense)

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 Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission‑tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi‑vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight‑proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission‑critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

In this role, you will lead business development efforts for the Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems market. You will serve as the primary customer interface for defense prime contractors, U.S. Government labs, and program offices, driving growth through strategic capture, customer engagement, and market expansion. You will partner closely with engineering, program management, and operations to shape competitive responses and support enterprise‑level product roadmaps that align with defense mission needs.

Responsibilities

• Serves as primary customer point of contact, building relationships, understanding needs, and tailoring Karman solutions that support repeat business.
• Engages customers consistently through in‑person and remote communication to ensure responsiveness and high‑quality interactions.
• Represents Karman at industry conferences, customer meetings, and events.
• Leads efforts to achieve sales growth targets across Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems markets.
• Develops product and market growth strategies to generate new leads, proposals, and bookings.
• Leads capture strategy development including price‑to‑win (PWin) analysis, competitive intelligence, risk assessments, and technical solution alignment.
• Partners with engineering, business development, and operations to develop long‑term product roadmaps informed by defense market trends.
• Tracks sales performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) including bookings, revenue, margin, and customer satisfaction.
• Produces and manages customer‑relationship‑management (CRM) data to improve lead‑to‑contract conversion.
• Presents financial forecasting to leadership, providing insights on market trends, strategy, and customer feedback.
• Supports contract negotiations, pricing, and delivery schedules while maintaining competitive and profitable outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Seven or more years of experience in aerospace, munitions, or defense.
• Demonstrated success in business development, sales, program management, operations, or engineering for defense products or systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Secret or higher security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten or more years of experience in aerospace, munitions, or defense.
• Five or more years of experience in propulsion or energetics.
• Experience working with defense prime contractors or U.S. Government customers.
• Experience using CRM and financial forecasting tools.
• Ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel more than 25 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.