Director – USAF Business Development

About Epirus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) systems with devastating counter-electronics effects on modern drone threats. The Epirus Leonidas HPM family of products, empowered by innovations in AI and microelectronics, is human safe and cost-effective. Distinguishing itself from lasers, Leonidas excels against drone swarms while also bending the cost curve back in DoD’s favor - taking drone-defeat costs from millions of dollars per drone to pennies on the dollar.

Job Objective: In this newly created role, the Director of USAF Business Development will plan and accomplish Epirus’ business development activities to deliver advanced technology capabilities and solutions to the United States Air Force.  At the core, the position identifies and pursues revenue-generating opportunities for Epirus, using business relationships, business acumen, tactical and technical understanding, and personal drive to inform and answer U.S. Air Force mission requirements and research opportunities.  The ideal candidate will embody the innovative mindset of Epirus.  They will be agile, collaborative, and results oriented.  As an externally facing executive, they will be a skilled communicator who can translate Epirus’ discriminating technology to mission impact.  They will understand the U.S. Air Force’s operational and technical needs; the Air Force’s requirements, budgeting, testing, and procurement processes; and business development techniques and practices.  They will always act with integrity and trust and a we before I mindset.  This position reports to the Epirus Vice President for Federal Growth.

Responsibilities: 

• Plan and accomplish all phases of customer relationships, business development, and capture management with emphasis on winning positive Air Force customer outcomes for Epirus 
  
• Establish, cultivate, and expand significant and lasting customer affinity
  
• Develop, maintain, and build-upon a network of relationships customers across the Air Force operating forces, component commands, research labs, acquisition offices, and service headquarters staff  
  
• Work with the Epirus business development team, government relations office, contract management, engineers, and the Chief Growth Officer to execute program strategies and business plans
  
• Conduct program reviews, customer assessments, and industry competitive analysis
  
• Articulate within the company a campaign plan for winning Air Force contracts in alignment with Epirus’ overarching business strategy    
  
• Collaborate with the Epirus engineering team with regards to customer documented requirements as well as customer exercise and operational demands
  
• Collaboratively draft winning proposals and manage successful captures
  
• Demonstrate creativity and agility in effectively addressing opportunities, challenges, and uncertainty 
• Multi-task, prioritize, and organize for accomplishing tasks and goals
• Establish a repeatable business development process aligned with Epirus’ strategy, annual operational planning cycle, and the federal budget cycle to achieve maximum corporate impact
  
• 25% travel may be required
  

Basic Qualifications:

• Active, or ability to obtain, Secret/TS and potentially TS/SCI security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree 
• Minimum 15 years combined experience with military operations, professional sales, capture planning, and defense requirements, budgeting, programming, contracting, or acquisition  
• Minimum 5 years experience with the U.S. Air Force (as a service member, civilian employee, contractor, or product deliverer)
• Minimum 3 years experience with Directed Energy systems and/or radars
• Minimum 3 years experience with Ground Based Air Defense and/or Uncrewed Aerial Systems
• Effective oral and written, two-way communication and presentation skills (as demonstrated through a series of interviews, submission of written material, and administrative interaction during the application process)
• Effective use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel as well as varied video teleconferencing platforms as means of delivering and digesting information   
• Capability and capacity for personal growth in responsibility and authority (as demonstrated in experience as well as comments provided by references)
• Ability to comprehend and discuss operational requirements and technical engineering solutions alternatively with engineers and operators, respectively  
• Personal desire, capability, and capacity for customer relationship development and sustainment, relationship development and sustainment with industry partners, customer analysis and mapping, business development and capture strategy and successful accomplishment
• Personal desire, capability, and capacity for teamwork, coordination, and collaboration within the company, across business development, contract management, engineering and product development and delivery, and corporate lines of effort

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Master’s degree
  Resident U.S. Air Force Command & Staff College, U.S. Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), or resident Air War College certificate 
  
• PMP certification
• Predilection and ability to think, anticipate, and problem solve strategically
  
• Possession of strong analytical research, problem-solving, and presentation abilities; as well as familiarity with software analytical tools as a basis for market research, Customer Relationship Management, and information presentations
  
• Predilection and ability to generate and sustain project support internal to the company for either continuation of efforts or new initiatives 
  
• Ability to successfully achieve established performance metrics while operating independently with personal initiative, mature judgment, and limited supervision and feedback
  
• Comfort engaging customers at all echelons (all military and Government Service ranks and within operating forces, component commands, research labs, acquisition offices, service headquarters staff)
  
• Experience in identifying, shaping, and winning defense contracts (>$20M Total Contract Value)

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, uniform service, veteran status, age, gender identity, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law. At Epirus, we work to create innovative power solutions to solve some of the world’s most complex problems. We are forward thinking in nature and committed to bringing tomorrow’s capabilities to life, today. To deliver on our mission, our team is comprised of individuals with deep expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering (including radio frequency and digital circuit design) as well as software design. We are always looking for top-tier problem solvers and changemakers to join our fast-growing team.