Director, Business Development

Merlin Labs

Director of Business Development focusing on U.S. government business for Merlin Labs.

Posted 6/30/2026full-timeRemote • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in business development and government relations, with a strong focus on building relationships and crafting winning proposals for government contracts. Proficient in navigating U.S. government procurement processes and leveraging mission-driven technologies in aerospace, aviation, and defense.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Business DevelopmentGovernment RelationsProposal WritingSalesforce ProficiencyU.S. Government Procurement

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Business DevelopmentProposal WritingBudget DeterminationKPI AchievementStrategic Planning

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationRelationship BuildingInfluencing Senior Leaders

Tools & Technologies

Salesforce

Industry Keywords

U.S. Government StructureDoD EngagementFAA EngagementDHS EngagementMission-Driven TechnologiesAerospaceAviationDefenseRegulated Environments

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, execute a detailed engagement and growth strategy for Merlin Labs to capture government business in the Mobility and SOF pipeline
Build and maintain senior-level relationships across U.S. government agencies, including defense, aviation, and related stakeholders
Connect current and be able to influence future needs/requirements for Mobility and SOF customers with Merlin’s products, programs, technologies and capabilities
Provide quarterly updates/reviews to Merlin Labs senior leadership
Drive early processes for new pursuits by collaborating with internal and external customers on strategic planning, including traditional and non-traditional acquisition pathways
Build compelling proposals to win government business
Accurately determine budgets and procurement intentions to set realistic Price to Win targets
Achieve a set KPI’s to expand and convert Pipeline to align with internal priorities

Requirements

What you’ll need

8-10+ years of experience in business development or government relations, preferably with customer-facing experience
Strong understanding of U.S. government structure, procurement processes and funding mechanisms
Experience engaging with DoD, FAA, DHS or related agencies
Proven ability to build relationships that lead to programmatic outcomes and revenue generation
Strong understanding of mission-driven technologies, ideally in aerospace, aviation or defense
Strong experience writing proposals that win government business
Experience operating in complex, regulated environments
Exceptional communicator—comfortable presenting to executives, leading live demos, and authoring polished written materials. Ability to influence senior leaders internally and externally
Demonstrated experience with Salesforce, including ownership of pipeline, forecasting, and reporting.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Minimum 30% travel