Undersea Mission Systems Business Development Lead

Description:

WHAT WE'RE DOING

We are seeking a seasoned Business Development Lead with deep expertise in undersea mission to drive strategic growth in one of the most critical and technically demanding segments of naval defense. This senior-level role is ideal for a retiring or recently retired senior U.S. Navy submarine officer (O-5/O-6 or higher) who is ready to leverage decades of operational, leadership, and acquisition experience to deliver new business opportunities in submarines, undersea combat systems, sensors, weapons, and unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs).

You will operate with significant autonomy, serving as a trusted advisor to both internal leadership and senior Navy customers. You will identify, shape, and capture high-value opportunities in a highly relationship-driven domain where credibility, technical insight, and long-term customer partnerships are essential to success.

Key Responsibilities

* Develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies for undersea warfare programs, including submarines, combat systems, sonar, torpedoes, UUVs, and related C5

ISR capabilities.

* Build and maintain senior-level relationships with key stakeholders across the U.S. Navy (OPNAV, NAVSEA, PEO Undersea Warfare Systems, fleet commands, and warfare centers such as NUWC) and broader DoD community.

* Identify, qualify, and lead capture efforts for new business opportunities. Manage a robust pipeline with a focus on large, complex, multi-year programs.

* Lead or support capture teams in developing win strategies, teaming arrangements, technical approaches, and price-to-win positions.

* Provide domain expertise to shape customer requirements and influence future program direction through white papers, customer engagements, and participation in industry events.

* Conduct market intelligence, competitive assessments, and strategic analysis to inform bid/no-bid decisions and long-term growth plans.

* Collaborate closely with technical, engineering, finance, contracts, and program management teams to develop compelling solutions and proposals.

* Represent the company at industry conferences, symposia (e.g., NSL, NDIA), and customer site visits.

* Achieve annual new business and sales goals consistent with senior BD expectations.

Basic Qualifications:

* Deep Undersea Warfare Domain Expertise:
Extensive operational or acquisition experience in submarine operations, undersea sensors, combat systems, weapons (e.g., torpedoes), sonar, unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs), or related missions. Senior submarine officer background (e.g., Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, or senior staff at squadron/force level) is highly preferred.

* Business Development & Capture

Experience:

8-15+ years progressive experience, including leading capture efforts, pipeline management, opportunity identification, business case development, win strategy formulation, and proposal leadership. Proven track record of winning or significantly contributing to large, complex undersea/maritime defense programs.

* Customer Relationships:
Established senior-level contacts and relationships with U.S. Navy (e.g., NAVSEA, OPNAV, fleet commands, Program Executive Offices for Undersea Warfare), DoD stakeholders, and potentially industry partners. Ability to influence requirements and shape opportunities.

* Education:

Bachelor's degree (Business, Engineering, Technical, or related field). Master's preferred. Equivalent military education (e.g., War College) often substitutes well.

* Security Clearance:
Active or ability to obtain Top Secret (TS) clearance; SCI or current TS strongly preferred.

* Business Acumen:
Strong understanding of DoD acquisition processes (JCIDS, PPBE, FAR/DFARS), budgeting, contracting vehicles, competitive landscape, and financial analysis (e.g., price-to-win, ROI).

* Leadership & Communication:
Exceptional written/oral communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to operate independently, lead cross-functional teams (technical, finance, contracts), and influence without direct authority.

Desired

Skills:

Senior Submarine Officer (O-5/O-6 or higher, e.g., Captain or Flag officer):
Command-at-sea experience, Pentagon/OPNAV/NAVSEA tours, or program management background in undersea systems. This provides unmatched credibility with Navy customers.

* Proven BD Track Record:
Direct experience in undersea combat systems, maritime C5

ISR, autonomy/UUVs, or related domains. Success in growing pipelines valued at hundreds of millions.

* Strategic & Analytical

Skills:

Market analysis, competitor assessment, strategic planning, financial modeling, and developing capture strategies/teaming arrangements.

* Technical Familiarity:
Working knowledge of undersea platforms, sensors, weapons, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML for undersea ops, contested environments, AUKUS-related efforts).

* PMP, DAWIA certifications, or equivalent.

* Experience with international partners or Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

* Prior industry BD or capture management…