Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
7+ years in sales, business development, or account management within defense/aerospace manufacturing
Proven success managing large, complex accounts and closing multi-million-dollar contracts
Strong grasp of defense procurement processes and DFARS/FAR regulations
Knowledge of ITAR/EAR export control compliance
Excellent negotiation and executive-level communication skills
Proficient in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office/Excel
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30-40%
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary relationship owner for major OEM defense accounts
Meet or exceed annual sales targets through renewals and new program captures
Identify and pursue new program opportunities within existing OEM relationships
Coordinate with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Operations to meet OEM requirements
Lead negotiations for long-term agreements, pricing, and terms with OEM procurement teams
Maintain accurate forecasts and program status reporting in CRM
Build and maintain relationships across various levels within OEM organizations
Track industry developments and competitor activity to inform account strategy
Represent the company at industry conferences and trade shows to strengthen relationships
Benefits
Comprehensive health insurance plans
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
Professional development and training opportunities
Flexible work arrangements and remote work options
Full Job Description
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Account Ownership: Serve as the primary relationship owner for the company's largest OEM defense accounts, developing account plans that align customer program roadmaps with company capabilities.
Revenue Growth: Meet or exceed annual sales targets and bookings goals through renewal, expansion, and new program capture within assigned accounts.
Program Capture & Business Development: Identify, qualify, and pursue new program opportunities within existing OEM relationships and adjacent business units; support proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Operations to ensure OEM requirements (specs, certifications, delivery schedules, AS9100/ITAR compliance, etc.) are met and communicated internally.
Contract & Pricing Negotiation: Lead commercial negotiations including long-term agreements (LTAs), pricing, terms and conditions, and volume commitments with OEM procurement and supply chain teams.
Forecasting & Reporting: Maintain accurate account forecasts, pipeline data, and program status reporting in CRM; provide leadership with regular updates on account health, risks, and opportunities.
Relationship Management: Build and maintain multi-level relationships across OEM organizations - engineering, program management, procurement, and executive leadership.
Market Intelligence: Track OEM program timelines, defense budget/appropriations trends, competitor activity, and industry developments (e.g., DoD acquisition programs, FMS opportunities) to inform account strategy.
Trade Shows & Industry Events: Represent the company at industry conferences, OEM supplier days, and trade shows (e.g., AUSA, GVSETS, MDEX) to strengthen relationships and identify new opportunities.
Compliance: Ensure all sales activities comply with ITAR/EAR export control regulations, DFARS requirements, and company ethics/compliance policies.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
7+ years of sales, business development, or account management experience in the defense/aerospace manufacturing industry, with direct OEM-facing experience.
Demonstrated track record of managing large, complex accounts and closing multi-year/multi-million-dollar contracts.
Strong understanding of defense procurement processes, DFARS/FAR regulations, and OEM supply chain requirements.
Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR export control compliance.
Excellent negotiation, presentation, and executive-level communication skills.
Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office/Excel for forecasting and reporting.
Willingness to travel domestically (and occasionally internationally) up to 30-40%.
Preferred Qualifications
Existing relationships with major defense OEMs/primes (e.g., Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Boeing Defense, L3Harris).
Technical background in manufacturing processes relevant to the company's product line (e.g., machined components, composites, castings/forgings).
Experience supporting proposal responses (RFP/RFQ) and long-term agreement (LTA) negotiations.
MBA or advanced technical degree.
Key Competencies
Strategic account planning and consultative selling
Cross-functional leadership and influence without direct authority
Financial and commercial acumen (pricing, margin, contract structures)
Resilience and persistence in long sales cycles typical of defense programs
High integrity and discretion handling sensitive/controlled information
