Senior Business Development Director – Directed Energy

AeroVironment

Senior Director responsible for leading AI-enhanced electro-optical targeting and Directed Energy Systems for Army customers. Focused on building relationships and delivering proposals for modernization efforts across military sectors.

Posted 5/9/2026full-timeHuntsville • Alabama, New Mexico, Texas • 🇺🇸 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 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 for engagements in National Capital Region (NCR), Albuquerque, NM, and Huntsville, AL.

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.
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.
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.
401K with company matching.
9/80 work schedule.
Paid holiday shutdown.

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 Systemsproposal writingmarket intelligencecompetitor assessmentsbusiness developmentacquisition experiencecustomer presentationspipeline development

Soft Skills

communication skillsnetworking skillsnegotiation skillsrelationship buildingindependent workstrategic thinkingcollaborationleadershipproblem-solvingcustomer engagement