VP of Business Development

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.

• 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 SBIR Phase II & III contracts and transitioning them into larger agreements. Target larger DoD contracts such as IDIQs, direct DoD procurements, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) opportunities. Move production-scale solid rocket motor contracts as Firehawk progresses from R&D into full-rate production.
  
  Meet and exceed aggressive sales targets, ensuring a strong multiyear pipeline of revenue-generating programs and execution strategies for near-term contractual awards within 18 months.
• 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 go-to-market strategy with mission-critical requirements. Collaborate with engineering, finance, and executive teams to develop proposals tailored to DoD needs. Maintain an 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 full-scale production contracts. Develop and execute long-term 5-year 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 integration into critical defense programs.

• 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 high-visibility 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 large-scale production contracts
• Existing relationships within DoD acquisition offices (e.g., Army RCCTO, Air Force AFRL, MDA) and major prime contractors
• Demonstrated ability to 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) and 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,…