Business Development Manager, Air Force at Noda AI · LumiJobs

Responsibilities

As our Business Development Manager for the Air Force, you’ll lead NODA’s growth across the U.S. Air Force. This is not an account management role. This is a builder’s role.
You’ll identify emerging Air Force mission needs, establish trusted relationships across the Air Force’s operational, acquisition, and innovation communities, influence acquisition strategies, and lead opportunities from initial engagement through contract award. You’ll work directly with airmen, Major Commands, Program Executive Offices, research laboratories, prime contractors, and industry partners to position NODA where our technology creates operational advantage, from collaborative autonomy and unmanned aircraft to base defense and agile combat employment.
Success in this role requires initiative, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to operate independently in a fast-moving startup environment where priorities evolve quickly and opportunities are often created rather than assigned. You’ll be equally comfortable discussing operational challenges with airmen and command staff, technical integration with engineers, and acquisition strategy with senior Air Force leaders.
Develop and execute NODA’s business development strategy across the Air Force, including Major Commands, Program Executive Offices, research laboratories, and innovation organizations
Build trusted relationships with airmen, mission planners, acquisition professionals, contracting officers, laboratories, test organizations, prime contractors, and senior Air Force stakeholders
Identify, qualify, shape, and capture strategic opportunities across unmanned aircraft, collaborative autonomy, base defense, and multi-domain operations, from early customer engagement through proposal, negotiation, award, and transition to execution
Develop and maintain a healthy multi-quarter pipeline while delivering accurate forecasting, opportunity qualification, and disciplined CRM management
Lead capture planning including customer engagement strategy, competitive assessments, solution shaping, teaming strategies, pricing support, win themes, proposal development, bid/no-bid recommendations, and executive gate reviews
Influence future Air Force requirements through regular engagement with operators, requirements owners, and program offices
Partner closely with Engineering, Product, Mission Operations, Contracts, and Executive Leadership to align Air Force priorities with NODA’s product roadmap and growth strategy
Navigate FAR-based contracts, OTAs, CSOs, SBIR/STTR, IDIQs, AFWERX, DIU, and other rapid acquisition mechanisms
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with prime contractors, aircraft manufacturers, systems integrators, emerging technology companies, academia, and mission partners

Qualification

8+ years of business developmentAbility to travel approximately 30%Due to the nature of the positionPrior service in the UExisting relationships across AFLCMCSkills & Attributes

Required

8+ years of business development, capture management, military, government, or related DoD experience, with significant focus on the Air Force
Demonstrated success winning new business from customer engagement through contract award
Strong understanding of the Air Force enterprise, including Major Commands, acquisition and requirements organizations, budget cycles, and procurement processes
Experience with FAR-based contracting and non-traditional acquisition pathways including OTAs, CSOs, SBIR/STTR, IDIQs, and rapid acquisition efforts
Established relationships across the Air Force’s operational, acquisition, and innovation communities
Ability to engage credibly in technical discussions involving autonomy, AI-enabled software, robotics, interoperability, and unmanned aircraft systems
Experience developing account strategies, capture plans, competitive positioning, and win strategies
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of military, government, and industry experience
Ability to travel approximately 30%
Due to the nature of the position, U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR regulations, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred

Prior service in the U.S. Air Force or extensive experience supporting Air Force organizations
Existing relationships across AFLCMC, AFRL, AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, Air Combat Command, the Air Force Test Center, or DIU
Experience supporting unmanned aircraft systems, collaborative combat aircraft, counter-UAS, ISR, C5ISR, or adjacent defense technologies
Experience supporting experimentation campaigns, exercises, flight testing, or technology transition efforts
Experience working within a venture-backed or high-growth defense technology company
Active Top Secret or TS/SCI security clearance
Skills & Attributes
Strategic thinker who connects customer challenges with business growth and product strategy

Business Development Manager, Air Force

Responsibilities

Qualification

Required

Preferred

Benefits

Company

Noda AI

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