Business Development Lead, Ground Vehicles

Business Development Lead, Ground Vehicles
Firestorm is looking for a dynamic, mission-aligned Business Development Lead, Ground Vehicles who will drive new business. In this role, you will shape strategy, forge relationships, and identify opportunities where Firestorm’s cutting-edge ground systems can close critical capability gaps. You also will excel at collaborating with and influencing diverse cross-functional Military stakeholders and navigating opportunities across the DoD ecosystem. You’re an entrepreneurial self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, small business setting, and can confidently influence peers and senior colleagues while contributing across the entire business development, capture, and proposal development lifecycle. In addition, you’ll operate at the intersection of defense acquisition, operational planning, and advanced technology delivery—bridging customer need and product innovation. What You’ll Do  

• Develop and implement Firestorm’s UGV engagement strategy—including outreach to operational units, program offices, and platform integrators—to identify and qualify new business and drive long-term growth.
• Lead market and opportunity analysis focused on all branches of the military and joint customers to inform strategic pursuits.
• Identify and qualify new business opportunities that align with Firestorm’s capability roadmap and growth strategy.
• Build and manage strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers across the DoD, national intelligence agencies, and industry partners.
• Navigate DoD budget cycles and acquisition processes to strategically position Firestorm early in the procurement lifecycle.
• Guide competitive positioning, shape teaming strategies, and oversee development of compliant, compelling proposals for DoD programs.
• Lead and manage complex sales and capture cycles from initial engagement through contract award.
• Represent Firestorm at key industry events, conferences, tradeshows, and customer engagements to expand visibility and relationships.
• Translate complex technical capabilities into mission-relevant, operational use cases and value propositions for diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product, and cross-functional teams to shape offerings aligned with customer mission needs.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations and federal procurement standards throughout the capture process.
• Maintain accurate business development documentation, including capture plans, activity logs, and CRM records.
• Track and report on business development performance metrics and pipeline health, providing strategic insights to leadership.
• Continuously monitor emerging customer needs and evolving market dynamics through direct engagement and research.

 Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• 3+ years of experience in federal business development, with direct experience in the DoD sector.
• At least 2 years of direct experience working & engaging within aerospace and defense, or government services, executing all aspects of business development including pipeline management.
• Demonstrated success in capturing and growing DoD services contracts, including IDIQs, GWACs, and task orders.
• Experience in developing win strategies, shaping opportunities, supporting pricing, and leading proposals.
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition, contracting processes, and federal procurement trends.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with military program offices & operational commands.
• Demonstrated success leading or influencing cross-functional teams in matrixed organizations.
• Experience advising or integrating technology, materials, or engineering solutions into military systems.
• Strong competitor analysis skills and the ability to anticipate market behavior and model competitor strategies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and budget management capabilities.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented and results-driven, to achieve business objectives.

 Who We Are At Firestorm, we're building a future defined by incontestable defense logistics — equipping warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the exact point of need.Not in months. Not from a distant depot. But now, in the field, on demand. We are a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem that builds and deploys modular unmanned systems at the tactical edge. We rapidly enable and sustain Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for high-risk missions, dangerous environments, and augmented operations — supplying critical parts for rapid tool swap, repair and sustainment. By leveraging advanced manufacturing at the edge, we can enable UGVs to execute high-risk missions and adapt them in forward environments — dramatically increasing operational tempo, resilience, and tactical flexibility where it matters most. We’re assembling a team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers who believe the future of deterrence cannot depend solely on expensive, exquisite platforms produced in centralized factories. Instead, we create affordable, resilient systems through expeditionary manufacturing at the tactical edge. If you want to solve hard, meaningful problems that will reshape defense capabilities and modern warfare, you’re in the right place. Work Environment 

• Position is working remotely
• Travel up 25% of the time domestically and internationally to customer sites, exercises, and industry events as required 

 Compensation US yearly salary range: $120,000 - $140,000 USD The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve. Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Equal Opportunity Statement Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.