Business Development Director

Summary

Join RTI as a Business Development Director to build and lead a cross-industry business development function. This strategic role involves creating, scaling, and operationalizing early-stage opportunity development across RTI's verticals (Defense, Automotive, and Medical). Reporting to the VP of Sales, you will define and execute the company-wide BD strategy, hire, mentor, and lead a team of BD professionals. You will collaborate with internal and external teams to identify, shape, and advance business opportunities, from initial contact to a qualified sales pipeline. The role requires tailoring strategies to each market's unique characteristics. RTI provides infrastructure software for intelligent distributed systems, and this position is crucial for driving the company's next phase of growth.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in business development, strategic sales, or a related role
• Experience leading BD efforts across multiple verticals, or deep experience in one with the ability to extend across others
• Proven track record of: Deep knowledge of one or more market-specific procurement models
• Strong technical acumen to understand and promote complex distributed, AI-driven software development and intelligent systems
• Exceptional leadership, management, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated ability to hire and lead a team, collaborate across function, including sales, engineering, and product management, and influence key stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field (Master's or MBA plus)
• US Citizenship required* *Due to applicable laws, government regulations and contract specifications, we are required to fill this position only with an individual who qualifies as a "U.S. Citizen."
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance may be required

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a cross-industry business development strategy tailored to the procurement, funding, and innovation patterns of Defense, Automotive, and Medical markets
• Build and lead a high-performing BD team, including hiring, mentoring, and defining roles by vertical
• In Defense, lead initiatives to: Identify early-stage procurements and DIU “Area of Interest” opportunities spanning air, sea, and ground smart systems
• Position RTI in key DoD initiatives such as C-UAS, autonomy, swarm control, air defense, ship defense, JADC2, and MOSA
• Shape government-sponsored initiatives, technology programs, and funding opportunities, including Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements
• Maintain deep market intelligence on DoD trends, procurement cycles, and competitive landscapes
• In Automotive and Medical, take the lead in: Analyzing customer trends and emerging R&D investment areas to uncover early-stage opportunities
• Developing and executing early engagement strategies that position RTI with top OEMs and leading technology innovators
• Collaborate closely with internal Account Managers and Field Application Engineers (FAEs) in cross-functional capture teams to develop winning strategies and proposals
• Work with internal teams and external partners to strategically position RTI technologies as integral components of funded and commercial solutions
• Coordinate with retained advisors internationally who act as BD counterparts, integrating their efforts into local sales initiatives
• Maintain market intelligence on competitors, funding trends, procurement cycles, and innovation signals
• Represent RTI at industry events, conferences, and strategic partner engagements

Preferred Qualifications

Prior military service or experience in a DoD acquisition or program management role is a strong plus

Benefits

• Flexible working schedule
• Remote working + Home Office Stipend to cover the costs of working from home
• Flexible Paid Time Off + “Real Vacation Bonus,” an additional bonus for taking more than 1 week of uninterrupted vacation
• Annual bonus based on individual and company performance + other prizes and awards