Director of Business Development – Defense SATCOM

Title: Director of Business Development – Defense SATCOM

Industry: Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Location: San Francisco, CA

Base Salary: $150,000–$225,000 base, bonus/commisison, RSUs, and great benefits

Travel: Up to 60%

*** Must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain a TS/SCI polygraph ***

Position Overview

Our client, an innovative and rapidly growing aerospace and satellite communications company, is seeking an experienced Director of Business Development – Defense SATCOM to expand its satellite communications (COMSATCOM) business across key U.S. Government and defense markets.

This leadership position will focus on identifying, developing, and securing business opportunities with the DoD, DHS, DOS, and other federal agencies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in SATCOM sales, business development, & military satellite communications operations, combined with an established understanding of U.S. Government acquisition processes, mission requirements, and defense procurement.

Required Qualifications — Must Have

· 7+ years of experience in satellite communications (SATCOM) sales, business development, or operational SATCOM roles supporting the U.S. Government or defense sector.

· Prior U.S. Military or federal government service involving SATCOM operations, communications planning, or national security space missions.

· Strong technical or operational understanding of satellite communications architectures, SATCOM services, and military/government applications.

· Proven success capturing U.S. Government business, securing government contracts, or integrating commercial solutions into defense programs of record.

· Must have demonstrated ability to engage with senior military officers, government executives, and acquisition decision-makers.

· Familiarity with DoD commercial SATCOM procurement vehicles, including Space Force CSCO, GSA MAS, pLEO, or SAC.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing and delivering executive-level presentations and briefings.

· Ability and willingness to travel up to 60%

· Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, business, national security studies, or a closely related discipline.

· U.S. Citizenship required.

· Must currently hold an active TS/SCI clearance or meet eligibility requirements to obtain one. Candidates with a clearance held within the past five years may qualify. Must be willing to undergo a Counterintelligence Polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications

· Advanced degree in engineering, science, business (MBA), or a related field.

· Experience navigating government budget cycles, acquisition processes, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

· Experience supporting SATCOM requirements within DHS, including the Coast Guard or FEMA, or DOS organizations.

· Established relationships with USSOCOM, Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs), or other military operational organizations.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development, Sales & Capture

· Identify, develop, and capture COMSATCOM opportunities across DoD, DHS, DOS, and other federal agencies.

· Build strategic relationships with military leadership, government decision-makers, acquisition officials, and defense industry partners.

· Engage with U.S. Military Services, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), and Special Operations communities to identify mission requirements and business opportunities.

· Develop competitive sales and capture strategies, aligning SATCOM solutions with government needs, budgets, and procurement processes.

· Lead customer briefings, RFIs, proposals, and capture efforts while collaborating with internal technical and operational teams.

· Pursue strategic partnerships with defense primes, international allies, and industry partners to expand market opportunities.

Market Strategy

· Monitor defense budgets, government acquisition priorities, emerging space programs, and evolving national security requirements.

· Evaluate competitors and market trends to identify growth opportunities and strengthen competitive positioning.

· Represent the organization at defense industry conferences, government meetings, and national security events.