Role

Sorian Aerospace is building a high-performance fighter-class jet for adversary air (Red Air) missions and advanced pilot training. The goal: deliver the maneuverability, integrated electronic warfare, BVR targeting, autonomous flight, CCA interoperability, and flight experience of front-line fighters — at a fraction of the cost. We’re hiring a Director of Business Development to lead our defense sales efforts—targeting initial contract wins, strategic partnerships, and program-level support. This role requires someone who knows the defense landscape cold: program offices, contracting paths, and who to call inside the Air Force, Navy, or major primes to get a deal moving. You’ll drive capture strategy across adversary air, training, ISR, and innovation channels—while helping structure the commercial side of our aircraft and service offerings. This is a hands-on, high-trust role reporting directly to the CEO. Note: U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required due to the nature of our work.

Responsibilities

Lead all defense BD strategy: USAF, USN, USMC, innovation offices, and foreign military channels
Identify and close early contracts in adversary air, test & evaluation, and training
Engage directly with program managers, contracting officers, and end-users
Build relationships with primes, integrators, and subcontractors to support teaming arrangements
Navigate and secure opportunities via SBIR, OTA, AFWERX, direct awards, and innovation pipelines
Lead capture from identification through proposal, submission, and negotiation
Structure commercial models with deposits, progress payments, or pilot deployments
Align internal roadmap and capability development with externally funded opportunities

Requirements

Proven track record closing DoD contracts—either directly or through primes
Deep understanding of the defense acquisition process (FFP, CPFF, OTA, IDIQ, SBIR/STTR)
Existing relationships inside DoD aviation programs (fighter, adversary air, test, ISR, etc.)
Comfortable navigating both traditional and non-traditional procurement pathways
Strong working knowledge of how primes and subcontractors partner on early-stage systems
Familiarity with military and/or FAA airworthiness processes
Excellent written and verbal communication—clear, direct, and high-trust

Results

Signed contracts and cash-generating agreements within the first 6–12 months
Strategic partnerships with primes and program offices
Active presence in key DoD opportunity pipelines
Customer-driven roadmap feedback that shapes product direction

Availability

Full-time, based in Long Beach, CA
Frequent travel may be required for government and partner engagement

Compensation Range

$200,000–$250,000 base salary

meaningful equity
complete healthcare benefits for you and your dependents

Company Core Values

We’re here to build, not theorize.
We run it hotter. We run it faster. We earn trust by delivering.
We move with urgency, adapt quickly, and operate with extreme ownership. To apply: Email your resume and a short write-up on a defense program or contract you helped win—what your role was and how it got over the line—to bd@sorianaero.com or click the “Apply Now” button below.

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