At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the National Security Space strategy and drive innovative business development.
- Company: Join Sierra Space, a leader in space and defence technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous benefits, and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security and space exploration.
- Qualifications: 20+ years in National Security with strong leadership and proposal skills.
- Other info: Active Top Secret clearance required; excellent career growth opportunities await.
As our Senior Director of National Security Space & Advanced Programs, you will lead efforts to define and execute Sierra Space’s National Security Space growth strategy, oversee key customer interactions, and drive business development activities critical to accelerating the company’s presence in this dynamic market. You will report directly to the Vice President for Strategy, Business Development, and Growth while exercising full responsibility and authority for developing strategies, managing capture efforts, and overseeing proposal activities for opportunities with key customers, including the Department of War and the Intelligence Community.
In this role, you will shape the National Security Space thesis, build a robust pipeline of opportunities, and partner across technical, product, and operational teams to architect solutions that meet U.S. Government mission needs. You will also work with a team of Business Development Managers to identify, capture, and deliver innovative solutions, turning mission needs into a focused portfolio, winning contracts, and scaling capabilities into operations. Additionally, you will establish industry partnerships and drive the development of compelling customer messaging and strategies to enable success in highly competitive markets.
Must Haves:
- Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and full-scope polygraph is required.
- 20+ years of experience in the National Security industry, including 10+ years of program management experience and a proven track record of managing contracts exceeding $100M annually.
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical or space-related field (e.g., engineering, physics, computer science); MBA preferred.
- Thorough knowledge of U.S. Government acquisition strategies, processes, and contract vehicles.
- Extensive experience across the system development lifecycle, from concept design to deployment.
- Proven success in capturing, organizing, producing, delivering, and winning competitive proposals.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to organize, coordinate, and lead diverse teams (program management, technical, and business development) through the capture and proposal process.
- Deep understanding of National Security Space missions, stakeholders, and acquisition pathways.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with senior business and government leaders, providing strategic guidance and leadership.
- Experience defining capture plans and leading proposal development for U.S. Government customers.
- Must be able to occasionally travel to domestic locations to support capture and business development efforts.
- Accountable for being on cost and on schedule with a consistent focus on value creation.
- Upholds and models company values; holds others accountable to values.
Preferred:
- 15+ years of relevant experience in proposal and capture leadership, including 10+ years of demonstrated National Security Space (DoD/IC) experience.
- Experience architecting solutions and leading tradespace analyses for end-to-end systems that meet the requirements of the Department of War and the Intelligence Community.
- Expertise in establishing industry partnerships and developing complex solutions for national program acquisitions, both as a subcontractor and prime contractor.
- Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliance.
- Experience working with or managing various contract types, including Level-of-Effort, CPAF, CPFF, FFP, OTA, and commercial sales.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute technical roadmaps, particularly for commercial products in the National Security Space domain.
- Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, or commercial space markets.
- Strong analytical and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to guide and motivate teams through challenges to optimize results.
- Passion for working on high-technology applications for space missions.
Compensation:
Pay Range: $229,600.00 - $315,700.00. Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.
This position requires current/active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and a full-scope polygraph. U.S. Citizenship is required as this position requires an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations. We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.
Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.
Senior Director, National Security Space (Clearance Required) in London employer: Sierra Space
Contact Detail:
Sierra Space Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, National Security Space (Clearance Required) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the National Security Space sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it relates to the role. Highlight your leadership skills and past successes in managing large contracts. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, National Security Space (Clearance Required) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the National Security Space sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Use your application to share examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly and efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sierra Space
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the National Security Space landscape. Brush up on U.S. Government acquisition strategies and the specific needs of the Department of War and Intelligence Community. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams through complex projects. Highlight your ability to coordinate efforts across technical, product, and operational teams to deliver innovative solutions.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
Expect to engage in discussions about strategy and business development. Think about how you would build a robust pipeline of opportunities and establish industry partnerships. Be ready to share your vision for capturing contracts and scaling capabilities into operations.
✨Practice Your Proposal Development Insights
Since proposal activities are a key part of this role, be prepared to discuss your experience in capturing and winning competitive proposals. Bring examples of successful proposals you've led, focusing on how you organised and delivered compelling messaging that resonated with customers.