Vice President, Business Development (UAV Systems)

Soaring Aerospace Inc. (SAI) is a venture-backed aerospace technology company developing autonomous UAV systems for commercial logistics and government applications. Operating at the intersection of advanced aeronautics, autonomy, and embedded systems, SAI partners with government agencies and strategic customers to deploy reliable, mission-critical aerial platforms.

The Vice President of Business Development will lead revenue generation, strategic growth, and market positioning across government and commercial markets. This role owns the full business development and capture lifecycle and will play a key role in shaping company strategy, customer engagement, and long-term expansion. The ideal candidate brings both technical fluency and executive-level sales leadership, with the ability to scale early traction into durable, programmatic revenue.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the full business development and capture lifecycle, from early market shaping through contract award and expansion
• Develop and execute multi-year growth strategies across federal, state, and defense-adjacent agencies, aligned with company capabilities and roadmap
• Build, manage, and convert a high-quality pipeline of UAV system opportunities tied to near- and long-term revenue targets
• Establish and maintain senior-level relationships with government stakeholders, program offices, and strategic partners
• Lead capture strategy for priority pursuits, including qualification, positioning, teaming, proposal development, and negotiations
• Partner closely with engineering, product, and leadership to translate mission requirements into scalable UAV solutions and inform product direction
• Provide ongoing market intelligence on funding cycles, procurement pathways, emerging use cases, and competitive dynamics
• Represent the company externally in executive briefings, field demonstrations, and industry forums to build credibility and market presence
• Identify and structure strategic partnerships and teaming arrangements to strengthen positioning on key programs
• Contribute to broader company strategy, including go-to-market approach, pricing strategy, and long-term growth initiatives

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in business development, technical sales, or capture management within UAV, aerospace, or relevant government-facing industries
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field from a competitive, accredited four-year university (MBA or advanced degree preferred)
• Proven track record of securing and scaling high-value government and public-sector contracts
• Strong understanding of government procurement processes, acquisition pathways, and contracting vehicles (RFP, RFQ, IDIQ, OTA)
• Technical background or demonstrated fluency in UAV systems, aerospace platforms, robotics, or similar technologies
• Experience engaging across engineering, program management, and executive stakeholders
• Proven success in securing and managing large-scale military contracts.
• In depth knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and defense procurement lifecycle.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Proven relationships with DoD contracting officers or military acquisition offices.
• Eligibility for U.S. Government security clearance preferred.

Compensation

• Base salary: $250,000
• Significant performance-based commission tied to major program wins, pipeline conversion, and company performance may be awarded
• Significant Stock Incentive Options based on performance

Additional Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan