In-person, with a potential option to start in the DC area or NYC/Picatinny Arsenal area for the first 6-12 months.
About the CompanyAn advanced manufacturing company is developing innovative lightweight composite manufacturing technologies designed to produce complex, high-performance composite components significantly faster and at a lower cost than traditional manufacturing methods.
The company is rapidly growing and focused on commercializing advanced composite manufacturing solutions for defense, aerospace, energy, and other high-performance applications.
This is an opportunity to join a fast-growing deep-tech startup focused on advanced manufacturing, U.S. industrial reshoring, and technologies supporting critical defense applications.
About the RoleThe Head of Capture / Director / VP will build and lead the foundation of the company's capture and business development program.
This role will translate executive-level priorities into actionable plans, identify and evaluate strategic opportunities, manage business development efforts, own the end-to-end business development funnel, shape customer requirements, manage consultants and contractors, and develop proposals for both Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) contracts.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating in an early-stage deep-tech environment and wearing multiple hats, including customer engagement, requirements development, statement of work creation, cost estimation, proposal development, contractor management, and communicating customer requirements to engineering and program management teams.
Key ResponsibilitiesBuild and manage the company's capture and business development strategy.
Translate executive priorities into actionable business development and capture plans.
Identify, evaluate, and prioritize strategic B2G and B2B opportunities.
Own the end-to-end business development and capture funnel.
Develop and maintain relationships with government and commercial customers.
Shape customer requirements around advanced manufacturing solutions.
Develop statements of work, technical scopes, cost estimates, and project timelines.
Lead preparation of complete proposals from beginning to end.
Coordinate engineering, operations, finance, and program management teams during proposal development.
Manage consultants, contractors, lobbyists, and other external partners.
Communicate customer requirements and priorities to engineering and program teams.
Identify and manage technical, commercial, and project risks.
Establish repeatable processes for CRM management, opportunity tracking, proposal development, and contract capture.
Develop strategic business development plans and priorities.
Build and lead the business development and capture organization as the company grows.
Own critical interactions with business and government customers.
Support strategic engagements with government stakeholders and policymakers.
Develop and present business cases to senior leadership.
Help establish long-term customer and partner relationships.
Growth OpportunityAs the company grows, this role is expected to expand into broader leadership responsibilities, including:
Leading and growing the business development and capture teams.
Owning the company's most important business and government customer relationships.
Contributing significantly to strategic growth plans and priorities.
Establishing scalable processes for requirements shaping, proposal development, CRM management, and contract capture.
Building a sustainable business development organization.
Managing direct interactions with senior government stakeholders and Congress.
Required QualificationsMust be a U.S. Person pursuant to applicable EAR and ITAR definitions.
Ability to work in person at the El Segundo facility.
Willingness to work in the DC area or NYC/Picatinny Arsenal area initially, if applicable.
Technical background sufficient to develop accurate and realistic manufacturing- and engineering-based scopes of work.5+ years of experience in business development or capture for advanced manufacturing technologies.
Experience with composites manufacturing, additive manufacturing, automated manufacturing, or related technologies.2+ years of experience working at a small business or startup with fewer than 500 employees.
Proven experience securing B2G contracts, with a track record of winning at least $10M in B2G contracts.
Proven experience securing B2B contracts, with a track record of winning at least $5M in B2B contracts.
Experience working with Department of War customers and shaping requirements around advanced manufacturing solutions.
Demonstrated experience drafting complete proposals from beginning to end.
Experience creating statements of work with detailed cost and timeline breakdowns.
Strong network of government and/or commercial customers and strategic partners interested in advanced manufacturing technologies.
Ability to adapt to rapidly changing requirements and priorities.
Strong technical and project risk management capabilities.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment.
Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred QualificationsEngineering or technical degree in a relevant field such as:
Mechanical EngineeringAerospace EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringMaterials SciencePolymer ScienceComposites EngineeringOther relevant engineering or scientific disciplinesExperience working with consultants on government, legislative, or defense strategy.
Active SECRET or
TOP SECRET
security clearance.
Prior experience in the U.S. military, particularly within a program office or laboratory.
Business development experience in:
Lethality and munitionsArtillery systemsWarheadsSolid rocket motor nozzlesAblative materialsStructural composite componentsAdditive manufacturingMass-production manufacturingRapid prototypingStrong understanding of composite materials and manufacturing processes.
Experience with continuous fiber layups.
Experience with compression molding or injection molding.
Demonstrated success building and growing a business development or capture team.
Experience managing R D projects.
Experience developing and presenting business cases to executive leadership.
Experience implementing and managing CRM systems.
Compensation & BenefitsSalary:
$154,000 - $249,000 per yearSignificant stock option opportunityPotential additional compensationPaid time off
Vacation:
10+ working days per yearSick leave: 5 working days per yearPaid U.S. holidays and additional company holidays401(k) with employer matching contributions up to 4%Medical insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceLife insuranceShort- and long-term disability insuranceDaily company-provided lunchesScheduleMonday through FridayFull-timePrimarily in-personEqual Opportunity EmployerThe company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce.