Senior Business Development Director – Directed Energy

AeroVironment

Lead Business Development for AI-enhanced electro-optical targeting and Directed Energy Systems. Partnering with Army customers and stakeholders in Albuquerque, NM and Huntsville, AL.

Posted 4/23/2026full-timeAlabama, New Mexico • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $152,000 - $223,650 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work directly with key Army customers to lead a fast-growing portfolio of AI-enhanced electro-optical targeting, tracking, and Directed Energy Systems.
Lead capture strategy for AI-enhanced Laser Weapon Systems with customers spanning across Army, Air Force, other DOW, and prime contractors.
Develop and maintain trusted relationships with Huntsville, AL, Albuquerque, NM, and National Capital Region stakeholders.
Shape proposals and capability briefings that emphasize the our proven advantages in Laser Weapon Systems.
Build a qualified pipeline aligned to Army modernization and soldier lethality priorities.
Provide market intelligence, competitor assessments, and insights into Directed Energy Systems.
Partner with engineers to ensure customer requirements translate into solutions that are operationally relevant.
Travel across National Capital Region (NCR), Albuquerque, NM, and Huntsville, AL and occasional international travel for FMS/DCS and allied programs.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 12 - 15 years of relevant Business Development experience; 10+ years in directed energy; 5+ years of defense BD/capture or acquisition experience.
Knowledge of Directed Energy Systems, their advantages, and areas for development.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration or relevant discipline; Advanced degree is preferred
Established relationships in the Directed Energy ecosystem.
Demonstrated experience in writing proposals and winning contracts within USSOCOM
Demonstrated success engaging with PAE Fires, Army and/or USAF acquisition offices.
Proven understanding of Domestic customer requirements/needs/issues
Strong communication, networking, and negotiation skills.
Ability to act independently to generate proposals, marketing materials, and customer presentations
Prior experience following a formal new business gate process and using CRM tools is a plus.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base + performance-based incentives tied to contract wins.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Clear career trajectory to portfolio growth that will propel your career forward.
Collaborate with a highly technical team delivering AI-driven solutions that will be in the hands of soldiers within 24 months.
Be part of shaping the Army’s leap into Directed Energy systems with global reach.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

AI-enhanced electro-optical targetingLaser Weapon SystemsDirected Energy SystemsBusiness DevelopmentProposal writingMarket intelligenceCompetitor assessmentsCustomer requirements analysisAcquisition experiencePipeline development

Soft Skills

CommunicationNetworkingNegotiationRelationship buildingIndependent workEngagementProposal generationMarketing material creationCustomer presentation skillsStakeholder management