Business Development Manager, Navy/USMC

About the role

Firestorm is looking for a dynamic, mission-aligned Business Development Manager to drive our engagement with the U.S. Navy & U.S. Marine Corps. In this role, you will shape strategy, forge relationships, and identify opportunities where Firestorm's cutting-edge systems can close critical capability gaps. You will excel at collaborating with and influencing diverse cross-functional Navy & Marine Corps stakeholders and navigating opportunities across the Department of Navy (DoN). You are 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 Navy and Marine Corps 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 Navy, Marine Corps, 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 DoW, DON, national intelligence agencies, and industry partners.
• Navigate DoW 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 DoN 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.
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Finance or equivalent education. In lieu of a degree 10+ years of progressive relevant experience is required.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance
• Active Secret clearance at hire required.
• 8+ years of experience in federal business development, with direct experience in the Navy, USMC or DoW sector.
• 5+ years of direct experience working & engaging within aerospace and defense, or government services, executing all aspects of business development including pipeline management.
• Experience capturing and growing DoW services contracts, including IDIQs, GWACs, and/or task orders.
• Experience in developing win strategies, shaping opportunities, supporting pricing, and leading proposals.
• Understanding of DoW acquisition, contracting processes, and federal procurement trends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with DoW, DoN acquisition offices or operational Navy/USMC commands, either as a civilian or military service member.
• Experience with DoN 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 naval 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.

About The Company

Firestorm grew out of a simple question: How does a U.S. ally with a relatively limited defense budget deter a near-peer aggressor with vastly larger resources? We are building the answer to that question through expeditionary manufacturing, affordable mass, and mission-adaptable autonomous systems designed for contested environments. Firestorm is a venture-backed defense technology company developing modular unmanned systems and deployable manufacturing capabilities that enable operators to Print-Build-Fly combat capability at the tactical edge. As Firestorm scales beyond Series B, we are seeking a Vice President of Business Development with operational credibility, strategic vision, and deep experience navigating Department of War acquisition, operational end users, strategic partnerships, and growth-stage defense technology scaling.

Work Environment

• Position will be based in Washington D.C., San Diego CA, Norfolk VA or Pensacola FL. We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Travel up to 20% of the time CONUS/OCONUS to customer sites, exercises, and industry events as required

Compensation

US Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000 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.

Benefits & Perks

• Work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Equity grants for new hires
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.