Business Development Lead, Defense Systems

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA) builds unmanned aerial technologies that save lives and connect the world. KHA delivers intelligent autonomous aerial systems for defense and national security missions, including the K1000ULE ultra-long-endurance UAS, ATNE++ airborne communications and network extension capabilities, and software and AI-enabled multi-domain problem solving, war gaming and teaming solutions. Its systems are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. and have been tested, deployed, and proven across defense, commercial, and international missions.

• →Develop and execute growth strategies for priority defense and national security accounts.
• →Identify, qualify, shape, and advance a pipeline spanning prototypes, demonstrations, OTAs, SBIR/BAA pathways, production, sustainment, and follow-on expansion.
• →Build trusted relationships with operators, requirements owners, PMs/PEOs, labs, test communities, acquisition officials, primes, integrators, and partner organizations.
• →Translate customer mission needs into compelling positioning for KHA’s K1000ULE, ATNE++, and AI-enabled autonomy offerings.
• →Lead capture planning, account plans, contact plans, white papers, partner strategies, proposal support, and win themes.
• →Partner with engineering, product, finance, contracts, flight operations, and executive leadership to align pursuit strategy with product roadmap and company priorities.
• →Represent KHA at customer sites, demonstrations, exercises, trade events, and industry engagements.
  Build repeatable operating rhythm for pipeline reviews, forecast updates, competitive intelligence, and capture decision-making.
• →Help KHA selectively expand with allied and international defense customers where strategically aligned and compliant.

• 6+ years in defense business development, capture, strategic accounts, or related growth leadership roles.
• Track record of winning or materially advancing business with the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, DOE, border/security, or allied defense organizations.
• Understanding of defense acquisition environments and the pathways from mission problem to funded program.
• Ability to sell complex technical capabilities rather than commodity products.
• Strong executive presence and the ability to engage credibly with military operators, acquisition professionals, technical leaders, and partner executives.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Willingness to travel extensively.

• Prior military service or direct support experience in aviation, ISR, UAS, communications, or networked operations.
• Experience with autonomy, AI-enabled systems, tactical communications, JADC2/Next Gen C2, or multi-domain operations.
• Experience with OTAs, BAAs, rapid prototyping efforts, or operational demonstrations.
• Exposure to allied and international defense business and relevant export-control environments.
• Active clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

• Qualified pipeline built and segmented by priority account, mission area, and funding path.
• Documented account plans for top customers and partner pathways.
• Consistent operating rhythm for pipeline review, capture decisions, and forecast updates.
• Reduced dependency on the CEO for day-to-day pursuit leadership.
  Meaningful opportunity progression: demos, white papers, partner agreements, downselects, proposals, and awards.
• Improved visibility into near-term wins versus strategic bets.