Senior Principal Business Development & Head of Air Force Strategy (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Senior Principal Business Development & Head of Air Force Strategy (Aerospace): Leading strategic engagement with the U.S. Air Force and managing key defense industry partnerships to integrate DAPS technology into mission-critical programs. Focus on driving account growth, navigating complex acquisition pathways, and securing contracts within the national security sector.

Location: Must be based in the United States (Hybrid or Remote with frequent travel).

Salary: $179,610 - $285,200 USD

Company

Divergent is a technology company that has developed the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), an end-to-end factory system utilizing machine learning and additive manufacturing to produce complex vehicle structures for the automotive and aerospace sectors.

What you will do

• Develop and execute a tailored U.S. Air Force strategy to identify and capture near and long-term opportunities.
• Manage key accounts and relationships within the defense sector to drive program insertion and growth.
• Form strategic partnerships and identify new markets to expand the value of DAPS capabilities.
• Collaborate across integrated capture, program management, and engineering teams to ensure successful execution.
• Support customer meetings, prepare status reports, and provide professional materials for senior leadership.
• Maintain compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and aerospace quality standards while managing CRM and program documentation.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. person capable of accessing information subject to US export controls.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience within the A&D industry.
• Senior leadership experience in or with the U.S. Air Force with deep knowledge of acquisition pathways.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.
• Proven track record in business development and strategic partnerships within the national security sector.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to bridge gaps between engineering, operations, and policy communities.

Nice to have

• Active DoD Security Clearance.
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing applications or munition weapon systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary with equity plan and discretionary results-based incentive bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including HMO and Premium PPO options.
• Paid vacation, sick time, company holidays, and a year-end shutdown.
• Paid parental leave to support growing families.
• Reimbursement opportunities for professional learning and development initiatives.
• Collaborative, high-performing environment focused on disrupting traditional manufacturing.