Business Development Account Executive

Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:

Benchmark Space Systems, a leader in in-space mobility solutions and satellite propulsion systems is looking for an experienced Business Development Account Executive (BDAE) to support capture of strategic government programs as prime and subcontractor. The BDAE will be adept at opportunity identification, qualification and strategic program capture to include stakeholder engagement, broad market analysis, technology road mapping, customer prospecting, and lead sales pursuits. Applicants should have the ability to find opportunities where they are not clearly defined, have experience in internal process improvement, excellent communication skills and be able to support customer site visits and conferences/tradeshows. This is a high-impact, customer-facing role that will contribute significantly to the growth of Benchmark, the success of our customers’ and partners’ missions, and the development of the new space economy.

This is an exciting time in the development of the new space economy and a great time to join Benchmark in a pivotal role as the company continues to grow and deliver industry leading in-space mobility products and services.

This is a remote role; however, due to the nature of the position, there is a strong preference for candidates located in Los Angeles County, CA.

About Benchmark:

At Benchmark Space Systems, we’re pioneering the future of in-space mobility. Our propulsion technologies provide satellites with the ability to maneuver, avoid collisions, and maximize mission potential – all while contributing to a safer, more sustainable space environment. Backed by recent funding and a growing slate of new flight contracts for government and commercial customers, we’re building a workplace where bold ideas and passionate people thrive. Engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers at Benchmark tackle some of the toughest challenges in spaceflight, working together to turn cutting-edge concepts into real-world solutions. If you're ready to help shape the next era of spaceflight, there's never been a better time to join Benchmark Space Systems.

Measurements of Success/Primary Job Responsibilities:

At its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to solve problems, not be afraid to ask questions, able to work with and help colleagues in different departments, and work on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of high-value relationships with U.S. government agencies (civil and defense) to identify and influence forward strategy, technology development roadmaps, appropriations, and potential missions that align with Benchmark’s product portfolio.
• Develop and maintain a dynamic, multi-year pipeline, accountable for achieving annual targets for identification and qualification of profitable pursuits.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of high-value relationships with space primes (to support government initiatives) that purchase or are in the position to influence the purchase of satellite propulsion systems and in-space mobility services.
• Translate the relationships into new and/or follow-on business through contracts for Benchmark’s products and services.
• Develop a map of government customers along with supporting commercial/academic partners to create a detailed business development strategy for mission capture and product development.
• Use the map of customers to identify technology gaps and mission infusion areas of interest.
• Coordinate with engineering and product development teams to ensure that Benchmark’s product and technology roadmaps align with new and emerging prime and government customer requirements.
• Develop customer solutions and value propositions based on customer and stakeholder inputs.
• Identify and develop strategies to understand and shape space policies that promote the responsible and sustainable development of space and the expansion of the space economy and the role Benchmark’s product and services play.
• Serve as the customer advocate to bring the voice of prime and government customers into planning and strategy sessions.
• Organize and conduct customer development activities such as customer meetings, facility tours and product demonstrations.
• Develop market intelligence and competitive data pertaining to potential opportunities and develop responsive product and marketing strategies.
• At all times, maintain Benchmark’s outstanding reputation for operating at the highest levels of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Education and/or Experience:

• a bachelor's degree in Engineering or a closely related field of study.
• 5+ of experience in sales, customer relationship management, and account strategies in space, aerospace, or associated technical field.
• Possess a strong understanding of U.S. space agency missions and related acquisition programs, as well as the business priorities and operations of space primes.
• Demonstrate previous experience in technology road mapping, government acquisition strategy and process, and government solicitation proposal execution.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel at least 15% of the time with the potential to surge to greater travel at times.
• U.S. Person required.
• Security clearance not required but preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

What you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:

• Possess a passion for supporting emerging high-tech markets (space) with both commercial and government applications.
• Possess a strong understanding of business-to-government sales processes, best practices, CRM/pipeline management, and technical proposal writing.
• Ability, agility, and can-do attitude to work in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and matrixed cross-functional environment.
• Able to collaborate in a multi-team environment to plan and accomplish tasks and meet objectives.
• Communication skills - ability to understand, analyze and interpret business periodicals, technical systems, technical procedures, or government policy.
• Uses effective written, visual presentation, and oral strategies to communicate technical problems and concepts to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.

Benefits:

• Performance-based bonuses.
• Health insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).
• Vision & Dental Insurance (80% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).
• Company paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances.
• 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible schedule.
• Unlimited vacation.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

While performing duties of this job, the employee is predominately functioning in a sedentary light office position with high frequency of telephone communication, keyboarding, and computer. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times. Must be able to travel frequently.

Benchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at careers @benchmark-space.com