Director Of Business Development - Remote Eligible

Director of Business Development

We are a young, hypersonic transportation company focused on doing what people once thought was impossible. We are a tech haven for engineers with vision who want more than just a job. And, we have a place for you if you want to be part of creating flight vehicles that transform how people and nations connect. We are looking for highly motivated and passionate individuals who want to push the boundaries of high-speed air transportation and work on exciting engine technologies that will propel the future of air transportation.

The role: Director of Business Development

We are seeking a strategic, technically literate, and results-driven Director of Business Development to lead growth initiatives for our advanced rocket engine propulsion programs. This leader will drive capture strategy, build high-value partnerships, secure key commercial contracts, and shape government requirements and appropriations in the rapidly evolving rocket engine market.

The ideal candidate will combine a proven track record in go-to-market strategy, strong experience in business development for product-driven technical businesses, experience shaping government requirements to support business objectives, and deep expertise in the defense and aerospace markets to position our company as the go-to partner for mission-critical, next generation rocket engine solutions.

What You'll Get To Do:

Growth Strategy & Market Development: Collaboratively develop and manage go-to-market (GTM) strategy aligned with corporate business strategy and product vision. Work closely with product leadership and the engineering teams to translate technical capabilities into clear business development initiatives. Perform market and competitor analysis to support product definition and identify growth opportunities. Develop and manage processes for customer funnel creation and qualification aligned to the GTM strategy.

Capture Management & Proposal Leadership: Lead all stages of opportunity capture — from qualification through proposal submission and contract award. Own administrative execution of all corporate contracting processes, including NDAs, MOUs, and customer/vendor contracts. Ensure all pursuits and agreements are compliant with applicable regulations, including ITAR/EAR. Manage customer relationships throughout contract delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement: Drive government relations efforts including federal appropriations strategy, federal customer shaping, and state/local engagement. Cultivate and maintain high-value relationships with key government end users and programs.

Communications & Brand Support: Represent the company at conferences, trade shows, and technical events, providing market intelligence and strengthening brand presence. In a supporting role, polish and produce customer-facing materials including presentations, capability statements, and proposals. Collaborate with internal teams to shape overall company communications, marketing, and brand positioning.

Leadership & Team Development: Mentor and develop business development and capture management staff. Drive a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. Where appropriate, lead and mentor teammates across the organization to ensure integration of the business development strategy across the company's operations.

What You Have:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field; Master's preferred.

10+ years of leadership experience, with a strong focus on business development, capture management, or contract management & negotiation.

Proven track record developing and delivering complex contracts.

Experience in defense, space, and commercial aerospace markets.

Cross-functional leadership and development of teams.

Strong written communication in multiple media, with the independent ability to craft excellent formal written documents and professional slide presentations.

Strong planner with the ability to build and execute processes that are fit-for-purpose.

Strong verbal presentation skills to a range of audiences (i.e. senior executive and program-level leadership; government, large corporate, and startup audiences; technical and non-technical).

Excellent interpersonal skills and EQ.

Excellent negotiation, risk management skills, and judgment.

Strong technical literacy to engage credibly with engineers and customers.

Active security clearance (or ability to reactivate clearance); TS-SCI preferred.

Benefits: Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

Location: This is a full-time salaried position with the flexibility of working remotely or from our headquarters located on the Ellington Airfield in Houston, Texas. Remote candidates must be available to travel to headquarters one week per month to collaborate with corporate leaders and cross-functional teams. This role also includes having the ability to travel 25-50% when required for business development related activity both domestic and international.

About Venus Aerospace: By enabling one hour global travel, Venus Aerospace is transforming the world and our access to it. We're building a spaceplane with a low carbon footprint that will enable one-hour global travel. We are a diverse, veteran team with extreme experience in successful new space, commercial, R&D, and government/military programs.

We are looking for incredible, motivated, enthusiastic people that want to build a world-changing culture and organization. You will be helping Venus grow and develop, so flexibility and a sense of adventure is quintessential. We are looking for all-around AWESOME people to help us grow. We've done the professional grind, and we've got a better approach. We take "Home for Dinner" seriously – we want you to work for us and be "home for dinner". Family is important and we don't want you to miss out on what matters most. If that appeals to you, we'd love to connect!

ITAR Requirements: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR here.