Business Development Director - Special US Government Programs

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters or Florida location, employees join together to improve the world.


Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.


Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.


Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!


Position Summary:
The SkyWater Federal Business Development role will lead new business discovery, development, expansion, positioning and capture for emerging fabrication technologies and other special programs related functions at SkyWater. This role requires a diverse skillset spanning both technical and business domains. The successful candidate should have microelectronics fabrication expertise, knowledge of US Government (USG) organizations and funding methods, insight to connect adjacent interests, ability to build and maintain key relationships within the USG and Prime Contractor ecosystem, strong business acumen, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to speak with authority on SkyWater’s value proposition. This role will identify opportunities for technologies, formulate and execute strategies to successfully enter markets through new business engagements to drive significant growth. A key deliverable will be positioning SkyWater’s technology and service offerings for success with current and future defense programs as well as commercial offshoots.
Major Areas of Accountability:
• Engage with USG and Prime System Integrator stakeholders to define market, mission, technology and program needs, (co)develop technology solutions and plans, and coordinate support from the various Stakeholders to secure funding
• Communicate SkyWater’s value proposition, ability to address requirements and deliver solutions
• Analyze and understand ecosystem to augment SkyWater’s market share amongst incumbents
• Understand the competitive landscape serving the USG and A&D market. Create strategies to improve upon and replace existing solutions
• Advocate for market requirements that align with SkyWater’s value proposition
• Engage with US Government and industrial base stakeholders, including DoD, DoE, SPO, Primes, and organizations such as NDIA, to position SkyWater as the best solution provider for mission needs
• Network within USG agencies, departments, and primes to identify needs and opportunities
• Support qualification, development and pursuit of A&D strategic business opportunities
• Work with the Sales team to win opportunities, including driving business into the Sales funnel
• Coordinate and execute go-to-market activities with the Sales and Marketing teams
• Provide a technically competent and business-driven voice to the market
• Provide inputs to CTO, Sales, Marketing, Platforms, BU and Technology organizations to formulate technology roadmaps
• Participate in A&D focused speaking engagements, working groups, and provide feedback & insight relevant to the RadHard microelectronics and other markets
• Partner with corporate marketing and communications teams in branding, thought leadership, event, content & collateral production, marketing infrastructure and lead generation activities within the A&D space
• Identify new opportunities within the USG, Prime System Integrator, Defense Industrial Base (DIB), and SBIR ecosystem for Radiation Hardened microelectronic technology capitalizing on the unique performance, high reliability and economic scaling

Key Goals/Objectives/Activities:

• Research, collect, understand, and communicate the needs and requirements for targeted cust