Business Development Director

Summary

Join RTI as a Business Development Director – Defense and lead the expansion of our presence in the global defense market. This crucial role involves driving strategic growth by aligning RTI’s advanced software frameworks with key defense modernization priorities. You will expand on RTI’s strong position in defense systems, navigating traditional defense primes, government acquisition processes, and the expanding commercial defense industry. The position requires close collaboration with internal teams and external partners to identify, shape, and capture business opportunities. You will develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy, lead a defense BD team, and maintain deep market intelligence on DoD trends. This role also includes representing RTI at industry events and coordinating with international advisors.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in business development, sales, or capture management within the U.S. Defense sector
• Technical ability to understand and promote complex distributed, AI-driven software development and intelligent systems
• Business acumen to select and execute promising opportunity directions
• Excellent leadership, management, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Proven track record of identifying, shaping, and winning significant contracts with the DoD and prime contractors
• Deep understanding of DoD acquisition processes, funding mechanisms (e.g., OTAs), and strategic initiatives
• Strong network of contacts within the DoD, prime contractors, and relevant industry ecosystems
• Technical fluency to understand and position real-time, distributed, and AI-driven software systems
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including sales, engineering, and product development
• Ability to think strategically and translate market opportunities into actionable business development plans
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, CS, or a related technical field
• 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 comprehensive business development strategy aligned with DoD priorities and RTI’s core strengths in distributed systems to build sales pipeline
• Lead, contribute, and build a defense BD team that: Spans air, sea, and ground smart systems
• Targets our opportunities in the top DoD priorities: C-UAS, autonomy, swarm control, air defense, ship defense, JADC2, and MOSA
• Identifies, qualifies, and shapes government-sponsored initiatives, technology programs, and funding opportunities, including Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements
• Maintains deep market intelligence on DoD trends, procurement cycles, and competitive landscapes
• 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
• Develop winning teaming strategies, white papers, and technical positioning aligned with customer needs and procurement models
• Maintain deep market intelligence on procurement cycles, industry trends, and competitive positioning
• Coordinate with retained advisors internationally who act as BD counterparts, integrating their efforts into local sales initiatives
• Represent RTI at industry events, conferences, and key customer engagements
• Find early-stage initiatives for procurements and DIU “Area of Interest” opportunities
• Engage and team strategically with prime contractors and commercial providers who pursue these opportunities
• Develop the opportunities sufficiently to hand off to the sales team for pursuit and closing

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree or MBA is a plus
• 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