Director, Business Development (Defense & Space)

Avalanche Energy

Tukwila, WA

Full Time

Posted September 1, 2026

$170k - $170k

Energy Management

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Listing evidence and provenance

Source: Employer career site View original listing
Freshness: Open in the current public read path; this is not an employer guarantee.Last observed October 7, 2026
Classification: Modern power-system classification not yet published for this listing.Legacy source industry field: Energy Management
Pay provenance: Employer-provided pay

Job Description

We are seeking a senior business development professional to grow and lead Avalanche Energy's Defense and Space business during a period of rapid growth.

Requirements

15+ years' experience in defense, space, or intelligence business development, capture, technology transition, and proposal leadership, with referenceable success winning $25M+ prime or subcontract awards.
Deep experience working with DoW/Service customers and end-users and major defense primes, plus demonstrated understanding on how to engage NASA, NRO, and the IC.
Demonstrated success winning at least one $100M+ prime or subcontract award.
Provable success transitioning advanced technology from R&D or prototype demonstration into operational evaluation, program funding, production, or sustained procurement, with strong understanding of the PPBE/POM and appropriations cycles.
Strong understanding of non-traditional and FAR/DFARS contracting vehicles and types, including OTAs, BAAs, CSOs, IDIQs, SBIR/STTR, consortium agreements, subcontracts, and other relevant transaction and procurement mechanisms.
Experience negotiating complex agreements involving IP and technical data rights, cost share, flow-downs, security, export controls, and the compliance requirements needed to scale a defense contractor.
Experience working with engineers and scientists to commercialize complex hardware or regulated deep technologies and translate technical concepts into mission-relevant proposals and customer communications.
Startup “builder” mindset, strong executive presence, and the ability to create new processes and drive outcomes in a fast-growing, resource-constrained environment.
Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, public policy, finance, or a related technical field. MBA or advanced technical degree strongly preferred.
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance and access to sensitive or special programs as required.
Direct experience with fusion, nuclear, isotopes, neutron sources, radiation effects, space power or propulsion, high-voltage systems, or an adjacent deep-tech hardware.
Direct experience with DoW technology-transition organizations, service laboratories, PAE/PEO/PM offices, NASA directorates and centers, NRO, and IC programs.
Experience building a defense business within a tech startup or growth-stage company, including knowledge of DCAA/DCMA readiness, government accounting, indirect rates, contract audit, and/or CMCC/NIST compliance frameworks.
Experience working with government relations teams to insert supporting language into congressional legislation and/or secure appropriations.
Experience with nuclear safety, licensing, launch approval, environmental review, defense production, manufacturing scale-up, qualification, or mission assurance.
International business development with U.S. allies, export licensing, foreign military sales.
PMP (or equivalent) and experience with strong program/capture operating cadence.
Experience with financial modeling and business case development.
Active TS/SCI clearance; current polygraph or prior access to SAP/SCI programs.
Previous P&L responsibility.

Benefits & Perks

Excellent medical, dental and vision benefits.
10 paid holidays and company-wide December holiday break.
Generous paid vacation and sick time.
Small, tight-knit team with low barriers to action.
Exposure to a wide variety of problems for unparalleled, hands-on professional growth.
Meaningful equity compensation.
This position may require access to export-controlled information. In order to comply with U.S. export control laws, applicants must be a “U.S. person” as defined by U.S. trade control laws (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).