What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development Manager – Air Force Programs position at Firestorm?
Location: Remote (National Capital Region a plus)
Clearance Required: Ability to obtain
What We’re Building
At Firestorm, we’re engineering deterrence for the next fight. Our autonomous aerial platforms and modular drone systems are purpose-built to meet tomorrow’s threats—fast, adaptable, and cost-effective. We leverage additive manufacturing and a software-driven approach to disrupt the defense status quo and bring capability to the edge. If you’re passionate about shifting the paradigm in defense tech and understand the Air Force from the inside out, you belong at Firestorm.
About The Role
Firestorm is looking for a dynamic, mission-aligned Business Development Manager to drive our engagement with the U.S. Air Force. While at Firestorm, you will shape strategy, forge relationships, and identify opportunities where Firestorm’s cutting-edge systems can close capability gaps. You’ll operate at the intersection of defense acquisition, operational planning, and advanced technology delivery—bridging customer need and product innovation.
A Day in the Life...
Morning – You start by reviewing the latest Air Force budget documents and identifying a new RDT&E line item that aligns with Firestorm’s capabilities. You prep a brief to leadership highlighting the opportunity and its fit.
Midday – You’re meeting with a Program Executive Officer and a tech director to discuss operational integration. You tailor Firestorm’s platform capabilities to the mission and identify a potential pilot program.
Evening – You wrap up by coordinating inputs for a proposal effort with engineering and pricing leads. You’re also prepping remarks for an upcoming defense innovation event where you’ll represent Firestorm on a panel.
Your Mission
Firestorm is committed to hiring and retaining a world-class workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. Our culture at Firestorm fosters collaboration, respect, and trust to empower passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
Why Firestorm
We’re redefining how deterrence is built and delivered. At Firestorm, you’ll be part of a team that moves fast, executes hard, and builds for the mission. You’ll help bring capability to the warfighter today—not five years from now. If you’re ready to reshape defense from the inside, let’s talk.
PI268208252
Clearance Required: Ability to obtain
What We’re Building
At Firestorm, we’re engineering deterrence for the next fight. Our autonomous aerial platforms and modular drone systems are purpose-built to meet tomorrow’s threats—fast, adaptable, and cost-effective. We leverage additive manufacturing and a software-driven approach to disrupt the defense status quo and bring capability to the edge. If you’re passionate about shifting the paradigm in defense tech and understand the Air Force from the inside out, you belong at Firestorm.
About The Role
Firestorm is looking for a dynamic, mission-aligned Business Development Manager to drive our engagement with the U.S. Air Force. While at Firestorm, you will shape strategy, forge relationships, and identify opportunities where Firestorm’s cutting-edge systems can close capability gaps. You’ll operate at the intersection of defense acquisition, operational planning, and advanced technology delivery—bridging customer need and product innovation.
A Day in the Life...
Morning – You start by reviewing the latest Air Force budget documents and identifying a new RDT&E line item that aligns with Firestorm’s capabilities. You prep a brief to leadership highlighting the opportunity and its fit.
Midday – You’re meeting with a Program Executive Officer and a tech director to discuss operational integration. You tailor Firestorm’s platform capabilities to the mission and identify a potential pilot program.
Evening – You wrap up by coordinating inputs for a proposal effort with engineering and pricing leads. You’re also prepping remarks for an upcoming defense innovation event where you’ll represent Firestorm on a panel.
Your Mission
- Lead market and opportunity analysis focused on Air Force and joint customers
- Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders across DoD and industry
- Navigate budget cycles and acquisition processes to position Firestorm effectively
- Guide competitive positioning and oversee proposal development for Air Force programs
- Translate complex technical concepts into compelling value propositions
- Collaborate with engineering to shape products that meet mission needs
- Represent Firestorm at events, conferences, and customer engagements
- Track pipeline health and BD performance metrics; report insights to leadership
- 5 years of experience in defense BD, acquisitions, or Air Force operations
- Proven ability to interface with senior military and government decision-makers
- Deep understanding of Air Force procurement processes and operational priorities
- Skilled communicator across technical and non-technical audiences
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and presentation skills
- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field (MBA a plus)
- U.S. citizen with ability to obtain a clearance
- Willing to travel CONUS/OCONUS
- Direct experience with USAF innovation pathways (AFWERX, DIU, etc.)
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing or autonomous systems
- Background in JADC2, ABMS, or other modernization efforts
- Proposal writing and Shipley-based development experience
Firestorm is committed to hiring and retaining a world-class workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. Our culture at Firestorm fosters collaboration, respect, and trust to empower passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
Why Firestorm
We’re redefining how deterrence is built and delivered. At Firestorm, you’ll be part of a team that moves fast, executes hard, and builds for the mission. You’ll help bring capability to the warfighter today—not five years from now. If you’re ready to reshape defense from the inside, let’s talk.
PI268208252
Salary : $150,000 - $160,000
