Capture Manager – Direct Commercial Programs

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation’s reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our commercial customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within commercial enterprise and federal civil agencies aligned to Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. 

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a motivated, qualified professional with expertise in commercial capture, growth, and account management. We are looking for a Capture Manager - Direct Commercial Programs (Business Development Staff II/ III). The successful candidate will help Aerospace deliver its unique value to existing and emerging space companies, both U.S.-based and foreign, with their research and development and systems engineering and integration needs. The successful candidate will be responsible for all dimensions of the sales cycle: business development, capture management, and growth within their portfolio. Reporting to the Systems Director for Business Development Strategy and Planning, this role will work closely with office leadership to develop and execute strategy and plans aligned to customer needs that promote Aerospace’s unique value proposition and long-term relationships. 

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Crystal City, VA, offering a work model that combines 4-5 regular onsite workdays with hybrid flexibility as business needs require.   

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Work with office leadership to identify and define future value growth strategies and plans across existing and emerging space companies 
• Lead the planning, pursuit, and capture of opportunities, consistent with policy and goals 
• Build and expand customer relationships; understand their missions, challenges, and needs; be their voice back to Aerospace 
• Work as part of an integrated, cross-functional team comprising business developers, capture and proposal managers, project and program managers, and scientists and engineers  
• Maintain detailed customer relationship management (CRM) database and sales pipeline on a current basis 
• Implement best practices and operating processes. Recommend improvements to management 
• Report organizational activities, progress, and achievements through written and oral reports to management, subordinates, and customers 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Business Development Staff II:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in B2B sales, business development, account management, or capture 
• Knowledge of, and experience in the space industry 
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally to a variety of audiences, ranging from technical staff to C-suite officers 
• Demonstrated success developing and closing new B2B opportunities 
• Ability to work both as part of a geographically distributed team and autonomously 
• Dedication to using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software with accountability for qualified pipeline and other performance metrics  
• Competency in Microsoft 365 and team collaboration technologies  
• Willingness and ability to travel to work location or customer site approx. 30%   
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Business Development Staff III include:

• At least 6+ years of relevant experience or a graduate degree and 4+ years of relevant sales experience
• This role level is distinguished by competencies beyond years of experience, which should be highlighted in a resume and cover letter.

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be beneficial if you have one or more of these: