Federal Programs Business Development Lead

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

The Federal Programs Division (FPD) within CSG is seeking a motivated, qualified professional with experience in federal solutions, delivering growth and value, and account management. We are looking for a Federal Programs Business Development Lead (Senior Project Engineer- Business Development Strategy & Planning). The successful candidate will help Aerospace deliver its unique FFRDC value to emerging U.S. civil space departments and agencies with research and development and systems engineering and integration needs. They will also be responsible for all dimensions of customer relationship development and growth within the federal community. Reporting to the Systems Director for Federal Programs, this role will work closely with Division leadership to develop and advance strategy and plans aligned to customer needs that promote Aerospace’s unique value proposition, opportunity identification, and capture execution.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in the National Capital Region, Crystal City, VA, offering a work model that combines 4-5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work with FPD leadership to identify and define future value growth strategies and plans across emerging U.S. civil space departments and agencies 
• Lead the planning, pursuit, and capture of opportunities, consistent with policy and goals 
• Build and expand customer relationships; understand their missions, challenges, and needs; be their voice back to FPD 
• Work as part of an integrated, cross-functional team comprising account representatives and capture and proposal managers, project and program managers, and scientists and engineers  
• Maintain customer relationship management (CRM) tool and opportunity pipeline on a current basis 
• Implement best practices and operating processes. Recommend improvements to management 
• Report organizational activities, progress, and achievements through written and oral reports to management, subordinates, and customers 

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Project Engineer- Business Development Strategy & Planning

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or related STEM field 
• At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience as a U.S. federal employee within a variety of federal organizations or direct hands-on experience in business development, account management, or program management roles within a variety of federal organizations 
• Knowledge of, and experience with federal programs, budget process, and missions 
• Ability to communicate in writing and orally to a variety of audiences, ranging from staff to senior executives 
• Demonstrated success developing and closing new business opportunities 
• Ability to work both as part of a geographically distributed team and autonomously 
• Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software with accountability for qualified pipeline and other performance metrics  
• Competency in Microsoft 365 and team collaboration technologies  
• Willingness and ability to travel to work location or customer site as determined by business needs   
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance 

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• An advanced degree in an engineering discipline, business administration, or related field 
• More than 12 years of progressively responsible experience as a U.S. federal employee within a variety of federal organizations or direct hands-on experience in business development, account management, or program management roles within a variety of federal organizations 
• An established network across the federal government and/or space industry 
• Veteran status 
• Active TS/SCI  

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.