Strategic Customer Engagement Manager

Saalex Corporation is seeking a Strategic Customer Engagement Manager in Ridgecrest/China Lake, CA . Saalex Corporation is a professional services company delivering cutting-edge solutions to the Department of War. Our expert-level solutions include software development, information technology, program management, financial management and business intelligence services. Saalex Corporation offers competitive compensation, career development, flexible work schedules and excellent benefits.

Position Type:
Full-Time Salary: $110k-$170k (depending on experience)

Work Location:

Hybrid work/in-office. (see onsite requirements below).

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with government, military, and industry stakeholders throughout the Ridgecrest and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake community.
• Serve as a local representative and trusted point of contact for customers, partners, and community organizations.
• Support strategic growth initiatives by identifying, qualifying, and advancing potential business opportunities aligned with company capabilities and customer priorities.
• Help expand and manage a pipeline of opportunities across Test Range Operations and Maintenance (O&M), Wargaming, Software Development & Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Modernization, Intelligent Automation, IT, and Cybersecurity solutions.
• Gather customer insight, mission requirements, and market intelligence to help shape growth strategies and future pursuits.
• Collaborate closely with business development, capture, operations, and proposal teams to support opportunity development and customer engagement efforts.
• Assist with customer meetings, industry days, conferences, technical exchanges, and community outreach activities to strengthen company visibility and relationships.
• Support capture and proposal activities through customer research, relationship development, competitive intelligence, and opportunity tracking.
• Help identify and establish strategic partnerships and teaming opportunities with government and industry organizations.
• Promote company capabilities and solutions to existing and prospective customers while maintaining awareness of evolving mission needs.
• Prepare customer engagement reports, opportunity summaries, and growth updates for leadership.
• Maintain an active understanding of local government, defense, and industry initiatives that may create future business opportunities.
• Foster long-term customer relationships that position the company for sustained growth and mission success.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

• 5+ years of experience with Naval Programs supporting NAWS China Lake.
• Strong professional network within the Ridgecrest/China Lake defense community.
• Experience working with DoD, Navy, NAWCWD, government contractors, or related organizations.
• Excellent communication, networking, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to represent Saalex professionally with customers, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Self-starter capable of working independently while collaborating with leadership teams.
• Experience supporting business development, capture, proposals, or customer-facing activities.

• Basic understanding of DoW acquisition lifecycle, FAR/DFARS, and major contract vehicles (e.g., GSA OASIS, IDIQs, MACs)
• Experience supporting DoW agencies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines)
• Experience with DoW cybersecurity/compliance requirements (e.g., CMMC, NIST SP 800-171)

Security Clearance:
Must be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home
• Wellness Resources
• Stock Option Plan