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Firestorm is a venture-backed defense technology company developing modular unmanned systems and deployable manufacturing capabilities for contested environments. The company is seeking a Business Development Director to lead engagement with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, driving strategy and identifying opportunities where Firestorm's cutting-edge systems can address critical capability gaps.
In this role, you will develop and implement Firestorm's Navy and Marine Corps engagement strategy, including outreach to operational units, program offices, and platform integrators. You'll lead market and opportunity analysis focused on Navy, Marine Corps, and joint customers to inform strategic pursuits and identify new business opportunities aligned with Firestorm's capability roadmap.
Key responsibilities include capture management across contested logistics and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), building and managing relationships with stakeholders across the Department of Navy, national intelligence agencies, and industry partners. You'll navigate DoD budget cycles and acquisition processes to position Firestorm early in the procurement lifecycle, guide competitive positioning, shape teaming strategies, and oversee proposal development for DoN programs.
You will lead complex sales and capture cycles from initial engagement through contract award, represent Firestorm at industry events and customer engagements, and translate technical capabilities into mission-relevant operational use cases for diverse stakeholders. Collaboration with engineering, product, and cross-functional teams is essential to shape offerings aligned with customer mission needs. You'll ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations, maintain accurate business development documentation, track pipeline health, and provide strategic insights to leadership.
Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or equivalent (or 10+ years progressive relevant experience). U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance. An active Secret clearance at hire is required. You must have 8+ years of federal business development experience with direct Navy, USMC, or DoD sector experience, and 5+ years working in aerospace and defense or government services executing all aspects of business development including pipeline management. Experience capturing and growing DoD services contracts (IDIQs, GWACs, task orders), developing win strategies, and understanding DoD acquisition and federal procurement processes is essential.
Preferred qualifications include prior DoD/DoN acquisition office or operational Navy/USMC command experience, demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams in matrixed organizations, and experience advising or integrating technology solutions into naval systems. The position is based in San Diego, CA at headquarters, with willingness to travel 30–50% of the time, including occasional overseas deployment to forward-deployed customers. Relocation assistance is available.
