Business Development Manager, Defense

Responsibilities

• Identify, pursue, and capture new business opportunities within the defense sector
• Build and maintain relationships with key defense stakeholders, including government entities and contractors
• Collaborate with internal product and engineering teams to align customer needs with product offerings
• Attend major government customer meetings to ensure contract retention and expansion
• Compose and support the development of compelling proposals for government contract opportunities
• Represent Whisper Aero at industry events and articulate the company value proposition
• Monitor defense policy, budgets, and relevant programs to identify emerging opportunities
• Develop stakeholder mappings for defense programs including contacts at the DoW, suppliers, and competitors

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a STEM related field
• U.S. Person status
• Minimum of five years of experience in defense-related business development, program management, or acquisition roles
• Experience working with government contracting teams and various contract types
• Knowledge of data rights including SBIR, GPR, or other types
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret/SCI security clearance
• Strong understanding of defense policies, budget cycles, and the national security industry
• Ability to travel 25% to 50%

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree
• Existing TS/SCI security clearance
• Experience with SBIR, STTR, or OTA processes
• Familiarity with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or piloted aircraft platforms
• Established relationships with Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and DoD decision-makers
• Familiarity with AI tools like Claude Code or Codex

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package with minimum 90% employer-paid plans
• Starting at four weeks of paid time off
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Professional Development Stipend
• End of Year Bonuses for eligible employees

About the Company

Whisper Aero is pioneering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions for aircraft, enabling a new generation of air moving products that blend into daily life.