Vice President, Corporate Development – Defense & National Security

job description

We are a technology firm redefining mission-critical defense components through advanced manufacturing and next-gen industrial workflows. Our systems enable the shift from legacy supply chains to decentralized, rapid production, and we are looking for a visionary leader to expand our footprint in Washington, D.C. to support the future of the U.S. defense industrial base.

What You’ll Do

• Support Key Defense Programs (DoD, Service Branches, Labs & Program Offices)

  • Engage with program leads across DoW, DoN, DoA, USAF, and other agencies to understand technical requirements, qualification needs, and modernization priorities.

  • Support ongoing and new technology qualification initiatives tied to advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and resilient production capabilities.

  • Work with acquisition stakeholders to align our offering with operational needs, budget pathways, prototyping efforts, and transition strategies.

  • Provide strategic insight on emerging requirements related to hypersonics, propulsion, advanced polymers, high-temperature composites, and other mission-critical domains.

• Drive Strategic Cooperation With Defense OEMs & Tier 1 Integrators

  • Build and manage senior relationships with major primes (e.g., Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman, Boeing Defense, L3Harris, BAE Systems).

  • Identify where our technology can support OEM qualification programs and long-term production strategies.

  • Explore and structure collaborations: material qualification, joint development, industrialization programs, and integration into existing production lines.

  • Ensure technical and commercial alignment across engineering, R&D, supply chain, and program management teams.

• Engage With Venture Capital & Strategic Investors

  • Develop relationships with top defense-oriented VC funds, corporate venture arms, and national security investment programs.

  • Identify co-investment, co-development, and strategic capital opportunities that accelerate growth and technology adoption.

  • Support corporate financing strategy and investor communications around defense-sector initiatives.

  • Build a network that provides intelligence on emerging technologies, supply chain trends, and potential acquisition targets.

• Corporate Development & Strategic Growth

  • Lead strategic initiatives that expand our role in the U.S. defense industrial base, including ecosystem partnerships, licensing models, and technology integration opportunities.

  • Evaluate potential M&A opportunities and strategic partnerships aligned with advanced manufacturing, materials, and defense production.

  • Shape long-term strategy based on geopolitical shifts, defense budgets, supply chain needs, and OEM qualification roadmaps.

  • Work cross-functionally with engineering, product, operations, and global leadership to ensure strategic alignment.

What We’re Looking For

• Location: Washington, D.C.

• 7+ years in corporate development, strategic partnerships, defense innovation, or advanced manufacturing.

• Strong network across DoD, OEMs, and key industry players in aerospace & defense.

• Experience with material or process qualification programs is highly preferred.

• Familiarity with defense procurement, OTAs, prototyping programs, and technology transition processes.

• U.S. citizenship and ability to hold/obtain a security clearance.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the VP of Corporate Development acts as the vital link between our advanced manufacturing capabilities and national defense priorities. In this role, you will navigate complex DoD acquisition pathways and forge high-level partnerships with major OEMs and investors, ensuring our technology is integrated into the most critical aerospace and defense programs of the future.