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Head of Business Development – Defense & Space

This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Auriga Space is revolutionizing propulsion by developing electromagnetic launch systems that offer significant advantages in launch cost, reliability, frequency, and responsiveness compared to rockets.

We’re looking for a strategic, driven, and well-connected Head of Business Development – Defense to lead our engagement with the Department of Defense and related agencies. As a senior member of our team, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping defense adoption of our technology, including identifying opportunities, building relationships with key decision-makers, and helping secure the partnerships and contracts that will accelerate our impact. Our target markets include hypersonic, space and missile defense.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Defense Market Strategy & Engagement

• Own and lead Auriga’s defense go-to-market strategy, identifying opportunities aligned with DoD priorities across hypersonics, space, and missile defense.
• Build and maintain deep relationships across government agencies, defense primes, commercial partners and research labs to shape future programs and position Auriga as a trusted partner.
• Work closely with leadership to define and prioritize business development objectives, and develop capture plans for key opportunities.
• Help define and negotiate teaming agreements, partnerships, and strategic initiatives with other contractors or collaborators.

Proposal and Program Leadership

• Personally lead and develop white papers, pitch decks, and proposals for defense contracts, coordinating inputs from technical and operational teams.
• Collaborate with management and engineers to ensure alignment between defense customer needs and internal development priorities.
• Track opportunities through the full business development lifecycle, from early engagement and shaping to award and transition to execution.
• Partner with engineering and operations to tailor deliverables to defense customers and partners.

Thought Leadership and Representation

• Represent Auriga at conferences, industry days, and closed-door briefings.
• Contribute to policy and strategy discussions around hypersonics, launch resilience, and next-generation missile defense.

Desired Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in government business development, capture, or program leadership, preferably in aerospace, defense, or national security sectors.
• Deep understanding of defense acquisition processes and R&D funding mechanisms (BAAs, OTAs, SBIR/STTR, IDIQs, etc.).
• Proven track record of winning contracts and developing trusted relationships with DoD stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical ideas into compelling, mission-driven narratives.
• Highly proactive, strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-moving, startup-like environment.
• Existing networks within the DoD, defense primes, or relevant labs are strongly preferred.
• The ability to obtain a security clearance is required.

Auriga provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Auriga, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.