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Defense UnicornsMission Director - Space
Defense Unicorns is seeking a Mission Director to manage full-lifecycle business development and contract execution within the space and defense sector. In this role, you will…
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About This Role
Defense Unicorns is seeking a Mission Director to manage full-lifecycle business development and contract execution within the space and defense sector. In this role, you will take on quota responsibility while identifying, shaping, and closing new business opportunities. You will serve as the primary owner for each won contract, overseeing performance, costs, schedules, and customer relationships, and eventually growing a larger portfolio through team leadership. This position is suited for…
Job Description
Defense Unicorns is seeking a Mission Director to manage full-lifecycle business development and contract execution within the space and defense sector. In this role, you will take on quota responsibility while identifying, shaping, and closing new business opportunities. You will serve as the primary owner for each won contract, overseeing performance, costs, schedules, and customer relationships, and eventually growing a larger portfolio through team leadership.
This position is suited for a dynamic professional who thrives amidst ambiguity and possesses deep familiarity with defense operations, acquisition processes, and modern cloud-native technology. Defense Unicorns builds secure continuous software integration and delivery solutions, helping public and private sector clients streamline software delivery without sacrificing security.
The base salary for this position ranges from $145,000 to $185,000 per year, accompanied by total on-target earnings between $290,000 and $370,000. Candidates near designated customer and acquisition hubs such as Boston, Dayton, Denver, or the National Capital Region are preferred, though other locations will be evaluated. Travel of 25 to 40 percent is required for this role.
Responsibilities
- Identify and cultivate net-new business opportunities within Space Force
- Establish and nurture trusted relationships with customers and stakeholders
- Manage a sales quota and grow a diversified portfolio of business
- Define customer problems and shape technical solutions using company products
- Lead opportunities through proposals, negotiations, and contract awards
- Execute new contracts directly, managing delivery risks and scope changes
- Build, staff, and lead teams to execute awarded contracts
- Drive customer retention, portfolio expansion, and gross margins
- Travel approximately 25 to 40 percent of the time to customer sites
Requirements
- Ability to travel 25 to 40 percent of the time, including regular customer visits
- Commercial judgment with comfort owning revenue-generating tasks
- Capacity to lead teams and maintain accountability for outcomes
- Willingness to handle business development, contracting, staffing, and execution simultaneously
- Technical fluency in cloud-native technologies, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, and software delivery concepts
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and operate without a predefined playbook
Qualifications
- Background in Air Force Enterprise Cloud, Nuke and NC3, AOCs and C2, or related defense environments
- Familiarity with the culture, mission, terminology, and key stakeholders of the supported domain
- Experience in military operations, government program management, acquisition, contracting, or defense program leadership
- Working knowledge of federal acquisition practices, contract vehicles, and negotiations
Core Skills
Benefits
- 100 percent company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums
- Health Savings Account
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401k retirement plan
- Company stock options
- Home office budget
- Flexible Time Off plus federal holidays, one Thanksgiving week, and two winter holiday weeks
- Paid parental leave
- Reimbursement for approved training, subscriptions, conferences, travel, lodging, and fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
What is the salary for the Mission Director role?
The position offers a base salary of $145,000 to $185,000 per year, with total on-target earnings ranging from $290,000 to $370,000.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, travel of approximately 25 to 40 percent is required, which includes regular visits to customer locations.
What location is preferred for applicants?
Candidates located near customer and acquisition hubs such as Boston, Dayton, Denver, or the National Capital Region are preferred, but applicants in other locations will also be considered.
What benefits are provided by Defense Unicorns?
Benefits include fully paid medical, dental, and vision premiums, a Health Savings Account, life and disability insurance, a 401k plan, stock options, a home office budget, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and learning reimbursements.
Sample Interview Questions
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