Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Business Development Manager, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.
Northrop Grumman is seeking a Business Development Manager GES to join the Space Systems – Ground Enterprise Systems (GES) Business Development team in the I&S Business Unit. The role is responsible for driving capture, proposal, and partnership activities for ground‑systems, AI/ML‑enabled processing, and space‑systems offerings that support classified SCI customers. This manager will report directly to the I&S BU Business Development Director. The senior manager will build and lead the core capture team focused on opportunities for the GES Operating Unit, working with the OUD lead and senior leadership across the enterprise. This lead also oversees IR&D budgets and helps coordinate yearly NCTA efforts.
Primary Mission
Capture, propose, and partner on high‑value ground‑systems, AI/ML data‑processing, and space‑systems contracts.
Lead cross‑functional capture teams (5‑10 members) to develop win strategies aligned with GES OU objectives.
Serve as senior point of contact for strategic BD activities with SCI customers and industry partners.
The preferred location is Aurora, CO. However, we will also consider candidates willing to work at our Dulles, VA, and Redondo Beach, CA campuses
Roles and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Key Responsibilities
Lead end‑to‑end capture efforts for ground‑systems, AI/ML, data‑processing, and space‑systems contracts, ensuring alignment with GES OU strategic goals.
Develop and author high‑quality proposals, capture plans, market‑entry strategies, white papers, and RFI responses.
Interface with engineering, pricing, and program teams to shape technical solutions, pricing models, and risk‑mitigation approaches.
Manage and grow relationships with existing and prospective SCI customers; serve as senior liaison for business‑development activities.
Mentor junior capture and proposal staff, represent BD in internal reviews and external briefings, and champion best‑in‑class capture processes.
Create and execute customer‑engagement plans, including strategic briefings, technical discussions, and legislative advocacy.
Oversee all stages of the Northrop Grumman Business Acquisition Process (BAP) from opportunity identification through pursuit prioritization and internal investment approval.
Conduct market and competitor research, develop business cases, and identify early‑win strategies and win themes.
Support annual and long‑range strategic planning and technical road‑mapping for the GES OU.
Travel up to 30 % of the time to customer sites, industry events, and internal stakeholder meetings
Basic Qualifications:
Minimum 8 years progressive experience in capture, proposal development, and business development or
Master's +6 years or PhD +3 years of hands-on experience in capture management, business development, proven success in ground‑systems, AI/ML, data‑processing, and/or space‑systems.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Computer Science, or related field; master’s preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional capture teams (5‑10 members) and influence senior leadership in a
matrixed environment.
Willingness to travel ≤ 30 % of total work time.
Critical/strategic thinking, organization, attention to detail, strong written/oral communication,
proficiency with CRM and data‑analysis tools, ability to synthesize technical concepts for senior audiences.
Must have a current/active Top Secret/SCI clearance; ability to obtain special‑access (SAP/SAR) clearances.
Preferred Qualifications
Active TS/SCI with Polygraph and existing Special Access.
Earned an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a STEM discipline or Business.
Maintains a well‑established network of contacts within the Intelligence Community.
Has direct experience integrating AI/ML technologies into ground‑based or space‑based systems.
Has participated in large‑scale space‑systems capture programs (e.g., satellite bus development, launch‑support infrastructure).
Is familiar with NCTA‑funded or indirect‑billing contract structures.
Demonstrates deep knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, PPBE budgeting, space policy,
and related legislative/authorization procedure
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that fosters your growth, supporting
both your success and the company's. The benefits at Northrop Grumman are flexible and customizable, allowing you to
select options that best meet your needs and your family's. Your benefits will include the following:
Health Plan
Savings Plan
Paid Time Off
Education Assistance
Training and Development
Flexible Work Arrangements
https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx
Primary Level Salary Range: $175,400.00 - $263,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is 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. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.