Business Development Manager (Defense)

Katalyst Description:

At Katalyst, we see human expansion into space not as a distant future, but as a present reality. As this growth accelerates, the need for advanced, reliable spacecraft has never been more critical. We are standing at this forefront specializing in rendezvous and proximity operations creating spacecraft that can reconfigure, refuel, inspect and protect satellites on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. In order to accomplish our mission, we also process data from a network of space-based sensors, both existing and deployable upgrades, using state of the art machine learning and advanced orbital dynamic filtering algorithms to increase space domain awareness, becoming the eyes and ears on orbit.

You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:

• Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
• Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
• Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.

Role Description:

We’re looking for a sharp, execution-focused Business Development Manager to help close strategic opportunities already in motion. You’ll work closely with the founder/CEO to convert warm leads into signed contracts with a focus on US government. This role will focus on mission sets around Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and in-space services. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on taking deals across the finish line and understands the nuances of complex, technical sales.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the founder/CEO on strategic accounts
• Focused on mid-to-down funnel stage activities; Convert warm leads from CEO to closed contracts
• Drive proposal development, pricing strategy, and negotiation
• Interface with technical and program teams to align scope with delivery
• Support contract execution and handoff to delivery teams

Ideal Background

• 3–7 years’ experience in business development, account management, or government sales
• Technical background in engineering or physics
• Familiarity with space customers (e.g., DoD, NASA, satellite operators)
• Strong communication, proposal writing, and negotiation skills
• Bonus:
  • Experience with federal contracts, SBIR/STTRs, OTAs, or interfacing with program offices
  • IC background/experience

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Acceptable Locations: DC, LA, Colorado, Arizona

Compensation and Benefits: The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 - $170,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible to receive cash bonuses for deals closed. Additional, long-term incentives include the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Originally posted on Himalayas