Director, Business Development

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

📋 Description

• Develop and implement a comprehensive engagement and growth strategy for Merlin Labs aimed at securing government contracts within the Mobility and SOF sectors.

• Establish and nurture senior-level relationships across U.S. government agencies, including defense, aviation, and relevant stakeholders.

• Align current and anticipate future needs/requirements of Mobility and SOF customers with Merlin’s products, programs, technologies, and capabilities.

• Provide quarterly updates and reviews to the senior leadership team at Merlin Labs.

• Initiate early processes for new opportunities by collaborating with both internal and external customers on strategic planning, encompassing both traditional and non-traditional acquisition pathways.

• Create persuasive proposals to secure government contracts.

• Accurately assess budgets and procurement intentions to establish realistic Price to Win targets.

• Meet established KPIs to expand and convert the pipeline in alignment with internal priorities.

⛳️ Requirements

• 8-10+ years of experience in business development or government relations, ideally with customer-facing roles.

• Strong knowledge of the U.S. government structure, procurement processes, and funding mechanisms.

• Experience interacting with DoD, FAA, DHS, or similar agencies.

• Proven track record of building relationships that result in programmatic outcomes and revenue growth.

• Solid understanding of mission-driven technologies, particularly in aerospace, aviation, or defense sectors.

• Extensive experience in crafting proposals that successfully secure government contracts.

• Experience working in complex, regulated environments.

• Exceptional communication skills—confident in presenting to executives, leading live demonstrations, and producing polished written materials. Ability to influence senior leaders both internally and externally.

• Demonstrated proficiency with Salesforce, including management of pipeline, forecasting, and reporting.

🏝️ Benefits

• Minimum 30% travel.