Business Development Manager – Autonomous Systems

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop, define, and implement the business development strategy for ADDMAN's UAV and Robotics Systems sector.

• Identify, assess, and pursue new business prospects within the commercial drone, defense UAS, autonomous systems, aerospace, robotics, and emerging aviation sectors.

• Establish and nurture executive-level relationships with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, defense contractors, government agencies, and strategic partners.

• Discover opportunities to leverage ADDMAN's additive manufacturing, CNC machining, engineering, and production capabilities across the drone product lifecycle.

• Guide customer engagement from the initial identification of opportunities through proposal development, negotiations, and contract awards.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Program Management, and Supply Chain to align customer requirements with manufacturing capabilities, technology roadmaps, capacity, and cost structures.

• Formulate capture strategies for key programs and coordinate internal resources to enhance win probability.

• Oversee pricing strategies, margin analysis, and commercial negotiations to achieve profitable growth objectives.

• Maintain and develop an opportunity pipeline, providing forecasts for bookings, revenue, and backlog.

• Monitor trends in the federal, defense, and commercial drone markets, customer needs, competitive activities, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies.

• Represent ADDMAN at customer meetings, industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.

• Prepare and deliver business development updates, forecasts, market intelligence, and performance metrics to leadership.

• Travel regularly to customer sites, manufacturing facilities, industry events, and trade shows.

• Engage with manufacturing operations while adhering to required PPE and safety protocols.

⛳️ Requirements

• Strong dedication to safety and fostering a culture of accountability.

• Proven track record in developing new business and driving revenue growth within aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or technology sectors.

• Solid understanding of drone, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), autonomous systems, aerospace manufacturing, or related technologies.

• Exceptional skills in customer-facing communication, negotiation, presentation, and building executive relationships.

• Experience in leading complex sales cycles involving technical products, engineered solutions, and manufacturing services.

• Strong business insight with the ability to balance growth goals with technical, operational, and margin considerations.

• Ability to identify emerging customer needs and convert them into viable commercial opportunities and capture strategies.

• Demonstrated leadership and influence across cross-functional teams without direct authority.

• High integrity, initiative, accountability, and an ownership mindset with a results-oriented approach.

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Aviation, Aerospace, or a related field is required.

• At least 5 years of experience in business development, sales, capture management, or commercial leadership within aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, robotics, or a related industry.

• Proven success in developing strategic customer relationships that resulted in measurable bookings or revenue growth.

• Experience in selling engineered products or manufacturing services to the aerospace, defense, or regulated markets is preferred.

• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, government contracting, defense supply chains, and proposal development is highly desirable.

• Working knowledge of additive manufacturing, precision machining, AS9100 quality systems, and ITAR compliance is preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM, ERP, or sales management tools.

• Willingness to travel approximately 35-50% as needed.

• U.S. person status is required due to ITAR regulations.

• Possession of a security clearance or the ability to obtain one is advantageous.

• Capability to meet the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Knowledge of and compliance with standard safety policies and procedures, as well as hazardous waste disposal procedures.

🏝️ Benefits

• Fully remote work flexibility.

• Remote work with travel opportunities.

• Occasionally available hybrid or remote work flexibility, depending on company needs.

• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.