Business Development Manager - Land Systems

Overview:

The individual will be part of a customer-facing team responsible for business development, strategic capture, and market penetration for advanced Guidance, Navigation, Motion Control, and Stabilization Systems with a primary focus on land-based defense applications. The role supports Kearfott's portfolio of inertial navigation systems, indirect fire systems, stabilized line-of-sight systems, motion control technologies, precision actuators, sensors, and integrated fire control solutions utilized across armored vehicles, artillery, radar, autonomous platforms, and tactical ground systems.

Preference is for a candidate with a background in land combat systems, precision navigation technologies, fire control systems, stabilized weapon/sensor platforms, or vehicle motion and actuation systems supporting U.S. DoD and allied defense programs.

The successful candidate must be a motivated, strategic thinker capable of identifying, developing, and capturing opportunities across OEMs, prime contractors, integrators, and government customers in support of next-generation land warfare and tactical mobility programs.

Desired Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate combines strong defense business development expertise with technical credibility in land navigation, stabilization, motion control, or fire control technologies. The candidate should understand the operational requirements of modern ground combat platforms and be capable of engaging both engineering teams and senior military stakeholders.

This individual will play a key role in expanding Kearfott's presence across advanced land warfare, precision navigation, and battlefield stabilization markets while supporting long-term strategic growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive business development and capture activities for Kearfott land system technologies, including:
• Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)
• Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs)
• Land Navigation Systems
• Stabilized Line-of-Sight (LOS) Systems
• Indirect Fire & Artillery Navigation Systems
• Motion Control & Electromechanical Actuation Systems
• Precision Sensors, Motors, and Position Feedback Devices
• Assured PNT and GPS-denied navigation solutions

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with:
• U.S. Army
• U.S. Marine Corps
• Foreign Military customers
• Prime defense contractors
• Ground vehicle OEMs and system integrators

• Identify and pursue opportunities associated with:
• Main Battle Tanks
• Infantry Fighting Vehicles
• Artillery & Indirect Fire Platforms
• Ground-based Air Defense Systems
• Counter-UAS Systems
• Autonomous Ground Vehicles (UGVs)
• Radar and Sensor Platforms
• Tactical Command & Control Systems

• Lead opportunity shaping, customer engagement, and capture strategy development from early pursuit through contract award.
• Coordinate internally with engineering, program management, operations, and executive leadership to align technical solutions with customer requirements.
• Support proposal development, pricing strategies, competitive analysis, and technical solution positioning.
• Develop and execute strategic growth plans aligned with company objectives and emerging defense modernization priorities.
• Maintain awareness of evolving land warfare technologies, Army modernization initiatives, precision navigation requirements, and emerging autonomous and networked battlefield capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Military Science, or related field.
• Strategic thinking, business acumen, market savvy, product/technical depth, presentation skills, credibility with technical teams and customers.
• Strong leadership, persuasive communication skills, and the ability to drive timely RFP response from cross-functional teams.
• Ability to develop business approaches and strategies that will have a high probability of success in capturing opportunities, leading to sustainable and profitable growth of Kearfott.
• Excellent interpersonal, communications, and gravitas (written and verbal).
• Drives for results, action oriented.
• 10+ years performing Business Development (sales, marketing, capture, proposal) activities, especially in airborne systems.
• Strong technical background, preferably in inertial navigation systems.
• Existing solid industry and DOD relationships.
• Hunter mentality and strong understanding of the customer decision-making process, quickly building strong relationships with targeted individuals.
• Must understand the DoD budgeting process and how targeted opportunities become a Program of Record.
• Previous military experience a plus.
• Familiar with DCS, FMS, FMF, OTA, and other procurement processes.
• Experience in pursuing and capturing International aerospace and defense business opportunities.
• Formal training in the Shipley or equivalent capture process is strongly desired.
• Prior military service or direct experience supporting combat vehicle programs.
• Familiarity with:

• GPS-denied navigation
• Sensor fusion
• Autonomous vehicle navigation
• Stabilized targeting systems
• Tactical fire control architectures

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New Jersey is $140,000 - $180,000 Annually. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as the final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, and internal consistency.

Additionally, we offer medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, tuition assistance, paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays, and a 9/80 work week with every other Friday off. Our work environment embraces our people as we enjoy monthly employee events that celebrate our workplace culture.