Principal, Business Development Operations – Strategy

Divergent

Principal leading business development operations and strategy within aerospace and defense at Divergent. Collaborating across departments to enhance organizational growth and competitive positioning.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeTorrance • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $179,610 - $246,960 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing business development strategies within the Aerospace & Defense sector, with a strong focus on U.S. Department of Defense acquisition processes and customer engagement. Proven ability to analyze market dynamics and translate strategic priorities into actionable business initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Business Development StrategyCapture ManagementU.S. Department of Defense Acquisition LifecycleSalesforceExecutive Presentation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Business DevelopmentCapture ProcessesCommercial OperationsData-Driven RecommendationsMarket AssessmentsCompetitive AnalysisPerformance MetricsPipeline GovernanceOpportunity QualificationForecast Accuracy

Soft Skills

Influencing Executive LeadershipExceptional Written CommunicationVerbal Communication

Tools & Technologies

SalesforceGovWin IQDeltek

Industry Keywords

Aerospace & DefenseDoD Budget TrendsDefense PrioritiesAcquisition StrategiesMajor Contract VehiclesPPBE ProcessDefense BudgetingCustomer EngagementsStrategic PositioningTrusted Advisor

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Partner with Business Development leadership to develop and execute the company's long-term Aerospace & Defense growth strategy.
Analyze defense priorities, customer demand signals, acquisition strategies, and competitive dynamics to identify new markets, programs, and partnership opportunities.
Translate National Defense Strategy priorities, DoD budget trends, and customer modernization initiatives into actionable business development priorities.
Own the operating framework supporting the Aerospace & Defense business development organization, including pipeline governance, business rhythms, reporting, and performance metrics.
Establish scalable processes supporting opportunity qualification, pursuit management, capture planning, and executive reviews.
Develop executive dashboards and performance metrics that provide visibility into pipeline health, forecast accuracy, pursuit effectiveness, and organizational performance.
Lead market assessments, competitive analyses, and customer intelligence to strengthen strategic positioning across priority accounts and programs.
Partner closely with Capture, Proposal, Engineering, Finance, Contracts, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams to align technical, commercial, and financial strategies across major pursuits.
Develop executive briefings, customer presentations, strategic planning materials, and business reviews for senior leadership.
Serve as a trusted advisor to Business Development leadership on operational priorities and organizational effectiveness.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.
10+ years of progressive experience in business development, capture management, business operations, corporate strategy, or commercial leadership within the aerospace and defense industry.
Demonstrated success developing business development strategy, commercial operations, or capture processes supporting complex defense pursuits.
Deep understanding of the U.S. Department of Defense acquisition lifecycle, PPBE process, major contract vehicles, and defense budgeting.
Experience supporting customer engagements with the U.S. Department of Defense, allied governments, defense primes, or major OEMs.
Proven ability to influence executive leadership through data-driven recommendations and strategic analysis.
Exceptional written, verbal, and executive presentation skills.
Experience with Salesforce, GovWin IQ, Deltek, or comparable business development and CRM platforms.
U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.