VP, Business Development

Our mission at Skyryse is nothing less than a new era in flight, where fatalities are nearly zero, piloting any aircraft is simple and safe, and the sky is accessible to all. SkyOS, our industry-first universal operating system for flight, provides any airplane or helicopter with a fly-by-wire flight management solution that significantly reduces the complexity of flying. Skyryse One, our first production aircraft powered by SkyOS, was unveiled in 2024 and features the simplest, safest, and most intuitive flight controls in general aviation.

VP of Business Development - El Segundo, California

As Vice President of Business Development, you will play a key role in shaping the company’s growth strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead all business development efforts through strategic partnerships, market expansion, government engagement, and new revenue opportunities. You will identify and pursue new business opportunities, leveraging your industry expertise and network to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships across the private and public sector. Additionally, you will oversee the development and execution of comprehensive business development strategies, ensuring alignment with company goals and evolving market trends.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the Business Development team in identifying, pursuing, and closing new business opportunities, with a particular emphasis on domestic and international DoD, OEM and commercial markets.
• Develop, lead and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to drive revenue growth and market penetration, informed by high-level industry research and analysis.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for DoD and OEM partners, building strong, strategic relationships and ensuring alignment with their objectives.
• Establish and maintain strategic connections with key commercial and DoD stakeholders, leveraging insights to tailor solutions that address their needs.
• Lead initiatives to secure defense contracts, aligning efforts with DoD acquisition strategies and priorities.
• Provide expert guidance on regulatory and compliance matters specific to defense contracting, ensuring full adherence to relevant standards and mitigating risk.
• Promote and advocate for the company’s products and services, positioning the organization as a trusted, reliable partner in both commercial and defense markets.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive threats, and new growth opportunities.
• Participate in strategic business meetings and provide regular updates to key internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to evaluate partnership opportunities and negotiate beneficial agreements.
• Lead major proposal development efforts, coordinating closely with the senior management team to ensure successful submissions.
• Continuously monitor and enhance team performance, implementing strategies to improve productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional degree with 10 years of relevant business development experience in the Aerospace & Defense sector
• Experience in both domestic and international markets
• Strong knowledge of business and sales growth techniques
• Proven track record of success in business development roles within the aviation industry, with specific experience selling to commercial customers, OEMs and defense contractors
• Deep understanding of the aerospace ecosystem, including knowledge of OEMs, suppliers, and regulatory frameworks
• 5 years of direct experience working with DoD contracts
• Exceptional project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and credibility with external partners and internal stakeholders
• Proven leadership experience, with a track record of effectively leading and developing high-performing teams
• Flexibility to travel as needed to meet with partners and attend industry events
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence key decision makers at all levels of an organization

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in managing sales or marketing teams
• Experience with DoD program office activities
• Deep understanding of commercial aviation, aerospace supply chain, or flight operations a plus
• Degree in Business, Marketing, or Finance  
• Background working with government or defense agencies (NASA, FAA, etc)
• Experience working in the public sector
• Experience serving in one branch of the military (preferably: Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy or Army)

WHY SKYRYSE?

• The opportunity to change the world through improving aviation safety and accessibility 
• Valuable stock option plan
• Heavily subsidized medical, dental and vision plans
• Full-time employees are eligible for 20 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 sick days annually.  PTO and sick days must be used in accordance with Company policy.
• A company with an ambitious vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, motivated, and fun to work-with colleagues!
• Salary Range:  $250-$350K.  The posted salary range reflects the potential base pay for this role, adjusted to account for varying geographic markets. Final compensation will be based on factors such as your location, job-related skills, experience, and internal alignment, including equity and benefits.

WE WELCOME ALL
Skyryse is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

NO AGENCY CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED.