Firestorm
Business Development Manager, Air Force Programs
Firestorm, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Business Development Manager, Air Force Programs
Join Firestorm, a VC‑backed defense technology company at the intersection of Silicon Valley and the U.S. Air Force, to lead business development and capture efforts across Air Force programs.
About Firestorm Firestorm is on a mission to democratize deterrence by designing and delivering mission‑adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we are redefining defense procurement and delivering world‑class capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional models.
What You’ll Do
Identify, qualify, and mature U.S. Air Force opportunities from early shaping through capture and award.
Own the full business development lifecycle across multiple concurrent pursuits, ensuring disciplined qualification and strong position‑to‑win strategies.
Continuously monitor the Air Force market to understand mission needs, emerging requirements, budget dynamics, and acquisition pathways.
Develop and execute customer engagement plans that surface capability gaps and future program opportunities.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with Air Force program offices, labs, operational units, and industry partners.
Lead competitive assessments, identify differentiators, and craft clear win themes.
Identify and qualify teaming partners that strengthen Firestorm’s competitive position.
Partner closely with engineering and technical SMEs to shape differentiated, mission‑relevant solutions.
Translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling value propositions for Air Force stakeholders.
Support and guide proposal development efforts in collaboration with capture, pricing, contracts, and marketing partners.
Develop market analysis, competitive intelligence, and capability presentations for internal and external audiences.
Track and communicate pipeline health, capture progress, and key risks to leadership.
Represent Firestorm at customer meetings, industry events, and defense innovation forums.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in defense business development, capture management, or Air Force acquisition operations.
U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Demonstrated success building and executing a growth pipeline within U.S. Air Force programs.
Established relationships and past performance with U.S. Air Force UAS stakeholders, including SOF/ISR PEO, AFSOC, and/or Headquarters Air Force.
Established relationships and past performance with AFLCMC/WI.
Strong understanding of the U.S. Air Force acquisition process, including the use of OTAs.
Proven ability to shape opportunities, position solutions effectively against competitors, and lead capture efforts.
Experience engaging and influencing senior Air Force and government decision‑makers.
Strong strategic, analytical, and presentation skills.
Financial and business acumen, including understanding of cost structures, tradeoffs, and return on investment.
Clear, concise communicator across technical and non‑technical audiences.
Self‑starter comfortable operating with limited structure in a startup environment.
Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to align cross‑functional teams.
High level of ownership; you run toward the fire.
Preferred Qualifications
12+ years of progressively increasing functional experience in the federal government or defense industry.
Trained in Shipley BD/Capture Management or professional equivalent.
Experience supporting advanced aerospace, autonomous, or mission‑critical defense technologies.
Background in unmanned systems, aerospace platforms, or advanced technology insertion.
Familiarity with Air Force innovation and rapid acquisition pathways such as AFWERX, Rapid Capabilities Office, or SBIR/STTR.
Trained in or familiar with structured capture and proposal development methodologies (Shipley or equivalent).
Existing network within the U.S. Air Force ecosystem, including program offices, labs, or operational units.
Prior experience working in or alongside fast‑growth or venture‑backed defense technology companies.
Work Environment
Based at our headquarters in San Diego, CA.
This role requires an on‑site presence.
We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating relocation assistance is available.
Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically.>
Compensation US Salary Range: $148,000 – $183,000 USD.
Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) retirement savings plan.
Equity grants for new hires.
Unlimited PTO.
Generous company holiday calendar, including holiday hiatus in November and December.
Generous parental leave.
Lifestyle spending account.
FSA, DCFSA, and HSA.
Hospital indemnity insurance.
Critical illness insurance.
Accident insurance.
Basic life/AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Option to purchase additional life insurance.
Mental health resources: free 24/7 mental health services, therapy, and additional work‑life services.
Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, 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. 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.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Project Management and Information Technology
Industries Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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About Firestorm Firestorm is on a mission to democratize deterrence by designing and delivering mission‑adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we are redefining defense procurement and delivering world‑class capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional models.
What You’ll Do
Identify, qualify, and mature U.S. Air Force opportunities from early shaping through capture and award.
Own the full business development lifecycle across multiple concurrent pursuits, ensuring disciplined qualification and strong position‑to‑win strategies.
Continuously monitor the Air Force market to understand mission needs, emerging requirements, budget dynamics, and acquisition pathways.
Develop and execute customer engagement plans that surface capability gaps and future program opportunities.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with Air Force program offices, labs, operational units, and industry partners.
Lead competitive assessments, identify differentiators, and craft clear win themes.
Identify and qualify teaming partners that strengthen Firestorm’s competitive position.
Partner closely with engineering and technical SMEs to shape differentiated, mission‑relevant solutions.
Translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling value propositions for Air Force stakeholders.
Support and guide proposal development efforts in collaboration with capture, pricing, contracts, and marketing partners.
Develop market analysis, competitive intelligence, and capability presentations for internal and external audiences.
Track and communicate pipeline health, capture progress, and key risks to leadership.
Represent Firestorm at customer meetings, industry events, and defense innovation forums.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in defense business development, capture management, or Air Force acquisition operations.
U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Demonstrated success building and executing a growth pipeline within U.S. Air Force programs.
Established relationships and past performance with U.S. Air Force UAS stakeholders, including SOF/ISR PEO, AFSOC, and/or Headquarters Air Force.
Established relationships and past performance with AFLCMC/WI.
Strong understanding of the U.S. Air Force acquisition process, including the use of OTAs.
Proven ability to shape opportunities, position solutions effectively against competitors, and lead capture efforts.
Experience engaging and influencing senior Air Force and government decision‑makers.
Strong strategic, analytical, and presentation skills.
Financial and business acumen, including understanding of cost structures, tradeoffs, and return on investment.
Clear, concise communicator across technical and non‑technical audiences.
Self‑starter comfortable operating with limited structure in a startup environment.
Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to align cross‑functional teams.
High level of ownership; you run toward the fire.
Preferred Qualifications
12+ years of progressively increasing functional experience in the federal government or defense industry.
Trained in Shipley BD/Capture Management or professional equivalent.
Experience supporting advanced aerospace, autonomous, or mission‑critical defense technologies.
Background in unmanned systems, aerospace platforms, or advanced technology insertion.
Familiarity with Air Force innovation and rapid acquisition pathways such as AFWERX, Rapid Capabilities Office, or SBIR/STTR.
Trained in or familiar with structured capture and proposal development methodologies (Shipley or equivalent).
Existing network within the U.S. Air Force ecosystem, including program offices, labs, or operational units.
Prior experience working in or alongside fast‑growth or venture‑backed defense technology companies.
Work Environment
Based at our headquarters in San Diego, CA.
This role requires an on‑site presence.
We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating relocation assistance is available.
Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically.>
Compensation US Salary Range: $148,000 – $183,000 USD.
Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) retirement savings plan.
Equity grants for new hires.
Unlimited PTO.
Generous company holiday calendar, including holiday hiatus in November and December.
Generous parental leave.
Lifestyle spending account.
FSA, DCFSA, and HSA.
Hospital indemnity insurance.
Critical illness insurance.
Accident insurance.
Basic life/AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Option to purchase additional life insurance.
Mental health resources: free 24/7 mental health services, therapy, and additional work‑life services.
Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, 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. 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.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Project Management and Information Technology
Industries Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr