Senior Principal, Business Development – Air Force Strategy

Divergent

. Lead Divergent's strategic engagement with the Department of the Air Force and drive long-term business growth with key industry partners .

Posted 10/31/2026full-timeRemote • California • United StatesSenior💰 $207,420 - $285,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in leading business development and strategic partnerships within the Aerospace & Defense industry, with a strong focus on U.S. Air Force strategy and acquisition pathways. Proven ability to influence executive decision-making and drive measurable organizational growth through effective communication and strategic leadership.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Senior Leadership ExperienceBusiness DevelopmentStrategic PartnershipsDoD Security ClearanceAerospace & Defense Industry Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Business Strategy DevelopmentRisk AssessmentOpportunity IdentificationAdvanced Manufacturing KnowledgeAdditive Manufacturing ApplicationsProposal StrategyProgram ManagementMarket ExpansionKPI DevelopmentCompliance with ITAR and DFARS

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationExecutive PresenceAnalytical ThinkingCross-Functional Team LeadershipStrategic Thinking

Tools & Technologies

CRM SystemsAction TrackerExecutive Reporting ToolsDashboards

Certifications & Qualifications

Active DoD Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Department of the Air ForceNational SecurityDefense SectorDefense Innovation EcosystemsSustainment ProgramsModernization ProgramsStrategic Capture EffortsComplex Defense Programs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead Divergent's strategic engagement with the Department of the Air Force and drive long-term business growth with key industry partners
Define and execute Divergent's Air Force strategy
Identify and develop transformational partnership opportunities
Influence corporate growth initiatives and secure strategic programs accelerating adoption of the Divergent Adaptive Production System across Air Force missions
Serve as senior advisor to executive leadership on Air Force market strategy
Own strategic Air Force and defense industry relationships and drive long-term account growth
Develop and execute account growth strategies across Department of the Air Force organizations and mission areas
Identify mission needs, acquisition pathways, funding opportunities, executive stakeholders, and strategic partnerships
Advise executive leadership on market trends, competitive positioning, customer priorities, and strategic investments
Lead enterprise-level business development, strategic partnerships, and market expansion
Lead capture and negotiation of significant partnerships and programs; support proposal strategy through contract award
Provide strategic leadership across Business Development, Capture, Engineering, Program Management, Finance, and Executive Leadership
Represent Divergent with senior Department of the Air Force leaders, industry executives, and strategic partners
Prepare executive briefings, customer engagement strategies, and presentation materials
Identify strategic risks and competitive threats and develop mitigation strategies
Maintain CRM, action tracker, and program documentation records
Ensure compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and applicable aerospace and defense standards
Develop executive reporting, pipeline forecasts, growth metrics, dashboards, and KPIs
Improve business development, capture, and strategic partnership processes and establish organizational best practices

Requirements

What you’ll need

Senior leadership experience within or supporting the U.S. Air Force, with deep understanding of Air Force strategy, acquisition pathways, organizational structure, funding, and operational priorities
Proven success leading business development, strategic partnerships, and growth initiatives within the national security or defense sector
Experience developing and executing long-term business strategies driving measurable organizational growth
Experience influencing executive-level decision making and shaping long-term business strategy within the U.S. Department of Defense ecosystem
Strong understanding of advanced manufacturing, defense innovation ecosystems, sustainment, and modernization programs
Exceptional communication and executive presence engaging senior government leaders, industry executives, engineering organizations, and executive leadership teams
Experience leading cross-functional teams and guiding complex strategic initiatives from concept through execution
Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls
Minimum of 15 years of experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, including opportunity identification, risk assessment, and business solution development
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
Knowledge of additive manufacturing applications and/or munition weapon systems (preferred)
Active DoD Security Clearance (preferred)
Established relationships with senior Department of the Air Force leadership, defense industry executives, and major prime contractors (preferred)
Experience supporting or leading strategic capture efforts for large, complex defense programs (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Equity plan
Discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities
Paid vacation
Paid sick time
Company holidays
Year-end shutdown
Paid parental leave
HMO and Premium PPO health insurance options
Company-sponsored life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Learning and development reimbursement opportunities
Collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing work environment