Quantum-Systems Inc. is a global leader in aerial intelligence and autonomous, AI-powered aerial robotics. We design, develop, manufacture, and deliver electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and an ecosystem of related products and services. Our business supports defense and security customers across North America and Latin America.
We are seeking a dynamic, results-oriented Business Development Manager to drive growth, develop strategic customer relationships, and capture new business opportunities across Latin America, the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and other U.S. domestic government markets as needed. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of the Latin American defense and security landscape, DOS customers and acquisition processes, and UAS technologies and applications.
This position reports to the Director of Business Development.
Description:
The Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and capturing business opportunities that expand Quantum-Systems’ presence across assigned markets. The role will primarily focus on Latin America and Department of State customers, including identifying requirements, navigating government acquisition and contracting processes, and building relationships with key decision-makers, end users, and industry partners.
The ideal candidate combines regional market knowledge, government acquisition experience, and a demonstrated ability to develop customer relationships and convert opportunities into revenue. This role requires strategic thinking, technical understanding, and cross-functional collaboration to support successful market expansion and long-term customer growth
Responsibilities:
The Business Development Manager is responsible for the following:
- Business Development and Capture: Identify, qualify, develop, and capture new business opportunities across Latin America, Department of State programs, and other assigned U.S. domestic government markets.
- Regional Market Development: Develop and execute business development strategies for Latin American defense, security, and government customers, accounting for regional priorities, procurement practices, and operational requirements.
- Department of State Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with relevant DOS bureaus, offices, program managers, contracting personnel, and other stakeholders to identify requirements and pursue applicable acquisition opportunities.
- Government Acquisition and Contracting: Navigate relevant government acquisition processes, contracting mechanisms, and funding pathways, including those associated with DOS programs and international security assistance, as applicable.
- Customer and Partner Relationships: Establish and maintain relationships with government decision-makers, military and security organizations, end users, industry partners, distributors, and other strategic stakeholders.
- Pipeline and Opportunity Management: Maintain a qualified opportunity pipeline, assess capture strategies, track progress against business development objectives, and provide accurate forecasts and reporting.
- Market Intelligence: Analyze regional security priorities, customer requirements, competitor activity, procurement trends, and emerging opportunities to inform business development strategies.
- Customer Engagement: Serve as a primary business development point of contact for assigned accounts, maintaining regular communication and identifying opportunities for additional products, services, and follow-on business.
- Proposal and Capture Support: Lead or coordinate the development of customer presentations, proposals, demonstrations, pricing inputs, and other capture materials in collaboration with internal teams.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, program management, operations, contracts, finance, and marketing teams to align Quantum-Systems’ solutions with customer requirements and ensure viable, executable proposals.
- Negotiation and Contract Awards: Support negotiations, contract development, and deal closure while coordinating with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with company objectives and requirements.
- Industry Engagement: Represent Quantum-Systems at relevant government engagements, industry conferences, trade shows, and regional events to strengthen relationships and expand market presence.
- Compliance and Market Awareness: Monitor relevant regulatory, contracting, export control, and international business requirements, as well as technological developments affecting assigned markets.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Engineering, or a related field preferred; relevant military experience, particularly in Latin America, international security cooperation, or defense and security operations in the region, may be considered in lieu of formal education. An MBA or relevant graduate degree is a plus.
- 2–5 years of experience in business development, government sales, capture management, program management, or account management within the defense, security, aerospace, or UAS industries.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Latin American markets, including regional defense and security priorities, government customer structures, procurement practices, and the development of strategic customer relationships.
- Experience working with the U.S. Department of State or its programs and contracting organizations, including familiarity with DOS acquisition processes, contracting mechanisms, and relevant security assistance or international security programs.
- Understanding of U.S. government acquisition and contracting processes, with experience supporting DOS and/or Department of War (DoW) customers.
- Experience engaging with senior government officials, program managers, contracting personnel, military and security stakeholders, and other decision-makers.
- Familiarity with UAS technologies, applications, and the technical, programmatic, and operational considerations associated with developing, deploying, and sustaining unmanned systems.
- Ability to identify, qualify, and advance opportunities through the full business development and capture lifecycle, from initial customer engagement through contract award.
- Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate effectively across geographically dispersed teams.
- Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred; additional Portuguese proficiency is an advantage.
- Familiarity with U.S. embassy operations, diplomatic environments, and interagency engagement.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background check and meet applicable customer access requirements.
- Must be willing to travel up to 50%, including domestic and international travel.
- This is a U.S.-based position located in Quantum-Systems’, Arlington, VA office.
- U.S. citizenship required due to regulatory requirements.