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Business Development Manager

Overview and Background

SPARC Research is a growing small business that was founded in 2018 to provide highly capable engineering services to advance the state-of-the-art in solid rocket and airbreathing missile propulsion technology through preliminary design and analysis, development, and prototype demonstrations. SPARC Research works with U.S. Government laboratories, missile prime contractors, and propulsion suppliers to produce effective solutions to current and future requirements. Our industry-leading propulsion experience, extensive suite of modern Multiphysics propulsion engineering and analysis tools, and agile and responsive business approach provide solutions that our customers can count on.

The keys to SPARC’s success include the following:

  • Relationships with customers are built on trust, commitment, and SPARC’s ability to get the job done
  • Independent, objective, and authoritative engineering solutions for our customers
  • Providing a work life balance for employees that is both enjoyable and rewarding
  • A transparent and supportive management approach that regularly recognizes individual employee contributions and accomplishments
  • Active engagement with institutions of higher learning
  • Development of professional technical personnel through internships, mentoring, engagement, and accountability
  • Community involvement and support

SPARC Research is seeking a Business Development Manager to join our team in Warrenton, Virginia or Cumberland, Maryland. This position requires a bachelor’s degree, practical knowledge of solid rocket motor and/or airbreathing propulsion systems, experience with business capture and proposal activities, and outstanding communication skills.

Job Responsibilities

The Business Development Manager will support SPARC’s growth and strategy initiatives, including business capture, bid and proposal activities, and networking with SPARC’s current and prospective clients. This position will report to the Vice President of Programs and Business Development.  Specific responsibilities include the following:

  • Research, identify, and assess near-term business opportunities for SPARC Research
  • Manage and lead company responses to Government solicitations, customer requests for information (RFIs), white papers, requests for proposal (RFPs), and other activities and communications supporting new business pursuits and opportunities
  • Support SPARC’s bid/no-bid decisions through practical experience, competitive intelligence, and assessments
  • Explore and recommend new and complimentary markets to support company growth initiatives
  • Develop and foster relationships with current and prospective customers
  • Represent and manage SPARC’s presence at industry conferences and trade shows
  • Additional duties as directed by the Vice President or SPARC executive leadership
  • Travel up to 40% of the time for this job will be required

The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $200,000 annually.

Requirements

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, management, or business-related field, plus a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in solid rocket motor and/or airbreathing propulsion system development, technology, and/or production. Other requirements for this position include the following:

  • Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrated track record of authoring and managing white papers, proposals, and business development presentations
  • A results-driven work ethic
  • Ability to work with cross-functional teams across multiple job functions
  • Must be able to satisfy U.S. Government requirements for access to controlled technical data and information
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance within a reasonable amount of time
  • Documented history of leadership roles within an organization
  • U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency

Preferred Qualifications

  • Possess a SECRET or higher security clearance
  • Prior experience researching and analyzing Defense budget materials
  • Prior experience with Congressionally Directed Spending or “Congressional Adds”