NASA Business Development Director and KAM

Safran DSI Business Unit: Space Solutions

ABOUT OUR MISSION:

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry. 

Safran DSI Space Solutions specializes in comprehensive satellite ground stations and modems, on-board radio communications for small satellite platforms, space optics, space propulsion systems, as well as solutions for space domain awareness (SDA) and surveillance, reconnaissance and tracking (SRT).

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space. 

POSITION PROFILE:

The NASA Business Development Director and Key Account Manager (KAM) for Safran DSI Space Solutions will lead the expansion of space technology solutions within NASA and federal defense organizations. This role demands a proven track record in DoD business development, strategic capture planning, and an extensive understanding of Defense Acquisitions and Finance, with the goal of securing key partnerships and new opportunities within the U.S. Government. The Director will develop and execute account strategies to penetrate and expand Safran’s presence in targeted defense markets, leveraging strong relationships with Government and prime contractor leadership, IC, and defense industry partners. This position requires coordinating high-level presentations and capturing detailed operational knowledge, mentoring the sales team, and tracking CRM metrics for optimal business growth, all while reporting to the EVP of Space Solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Spearhead the operational approach and implementation of plans for enabling Space solutions penetration and expansion of Space products into NASA and its main contractors.
• Expand/deepen strong, trusted relationships in NASA and U.S. prime contractors, and with other to provide actionable business opportunities.
• Rapidly develop a deep understanding of Safran Space Solutions products, technologies, and internal practices.
• Coordinate capture plan synergized with Sales leadership for development of Safran insertion into NASA programs.
• Attend relevant industry conferences, trade shows, workshops, forums, etc. to form operational (Action Officer) level business relationships for the above growth markets.
• Track and ensure follow-through on opportunities: master Safran CRM and Finance tools.
• Work with the Technical and Inside Sales teams to ensure KPI’s for capture are met.  Provide necessary mentorship as well as act as critical team redundancy.    
• Advise and report to Safran DSI business unit leadership of significant opportunities, associated capture plan and generate sales leads.
• Complete and negotiate sales transactions, offerings both directly to NASA and through prime/sub and teaming relationships.
• Perform customer-benefit focused and technical-oriented business development presentations demonstrating an ability to communicate comfortably with customer program managers.
• Develop, implement, and update account plans for specific high-value customer organizations within US Defense organizations.
• Develop a deep understanding and positive relationship with specific high-value customer organizations within Defense organizations to enable enhanced capture and win strategies for new business
• The position reports to the Vice President of Commercial and Civil Gov. Sales.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in applying technology with Aerospace requirements
• Master’s Degree or MBA in a relevant field
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD Secret Security Clearance
• A passion for aerospace technology especially with space exploration.
• Extensive experience across NASA various organizations.
• Proven track record in developing new businesses for high-technology product lines
• Extensive understanding of USG Space Acquisitions, and leadership decision process
• Existing relationship with major U.S NASA prime contractors
• Must be an expert at Executive level interactions as well as able to communicate written and oral to the tactical / technical level of engagement.   
• Proven track record of business development, including proposal development for complex systems
• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering and systems architecture sales
• Skilled at building strategic capture plan, business forecast and reporting target achievement to top management
• Skilled at solicited and unsolicited proposal and white paper writing
• A passion for aerospace technology especially with space exploration

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Current active DoD Secret Security Clearance or higher

TRAVEL: Up to 50%, with domestic and non-domestic travel visiting customer sites and Safran facilities.

This position can be located in Arlington VA or Parker CO and be hybrid.

Salary Range: $215,000 - $225,000, plus participation in performance bonus plan

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).