Business Development Director; Government Programs Hawthorne, CA

Business Development Director (Government Programs)

Hawthorne, CA

Freeform is deploying software‑defined, autonomous metal 3D printing factories around the world, bringing the scalability of software to physical production. Our proprietary technology stack leverages advanced sensing, real‑time controls, and data‑driven learning to produce digitally verified, flawless parts at unprecedented speed and cost.

Our mission is to make the transformative power of 3D printing available to all industries at scale and unlock the future of innovation.

We are seeking a Business Development Director to lead Freeform’s growth across U.S. government agencies and military organizations. This role is responsible for identifying, shaping, and winning strategic opportunities across DoD organizations, military branches, program offices, and federal innovation pathways. Success requires a strong understanding of how government programs are structured, funded, competed, and executed, from early prototyping efforts through production‑scale contracts.

The ideal candidate understands how to navigate acquisition pathways, build long‑term relationships with program managers and mission owners, and translate operational needs into executable contracting strategies. This may include prior experience within a government organization, military service, or a company that has successfully captured and executed federal contracts, though direct government service is not required.

You will operate at the intersection of technology, mission need, and contracting, helping Freeform expand its role in programs where manufacturing capability directly influences system performance, supply chain resilience, and deployment timelines. Freeform is already supporting mission‑critical government initiatives and is expanding its engagement as demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities continues to increase.

• Develop and execute Freeform’s government growth strategy across DoD agencies and military branches.
• Identify, qualify, and shape new opportunities across BAAs, RFIs, RFPs, SBIR, STTR programs, and OTA pathways.
• Lead capture strategy for key government programs, including proposal development, contract structuring, and long‑term program positioning.
• Build and maintain relationships with government program managers, technical leads, mission owners, and acquisition personnel.
• Navigate federal acquisition processes including FAR‑based contracts, OTAs, rapid acquisition pathways, and prototyping‑to‑production transitions.
• Align Freeform’s technical capabilities with mission‑driven requirements across aerospace, space, propulsion, and defense systems.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to define executable scope, cost models, and scalable production plans for government customers.
• Support the transition of early‑stage prototype programs into sustained production contracts.
• Provide executive leadership with insight into federal budget cycles, program timing, and emerging mission priorities.
• Represent Freeform in government‑facing forums, industry days, and defense innovation engagements.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• 10+ years of experience in business development, capture, program strategy, or related roles within federal or defense markets.
• Demonstrated experience identifying and winning U.S. government contracts.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition cycles and federal contracting structures.
• Experience engaging directly with government program offices and acquisition stakeholders.
• Must be located in the Greater Los Angeles area, Washington DC, or be willing to relocate to either.

• Prior experience working within a U.S. government organization or military branch.
• Former military service.
• Direct experience with OTAs, FAR‑based contracts, SBIR or STTR programs, or rapid acquisition pathways.
• Experience transitioning programs from prototype to production within a government context.
• Active or previously held security clearance.
• Educational background in engineering or technical discipline.
• Strong understanding of aerospace, propulsion, structural systems, manufacturing, or high‑performance…