Business Development Executive, International

Business Development Executive, International

LOCATION: Alignment to one of the following office locations: Huntsville, AL; Arlington, VA; Eglin, FL; Melbourne, FL; Albuquerque, NM; or El Segundo, CA

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: None

CERTIFICATION: N/A

TRAVEL: Less than 50%

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Executive, International to join the Growth team. The International Business Development Executive is responsible for identifying, developing, and executing international growth strategies across allied defense, security, and government markets. This role leads business development activities focused on expanding the company’s global presence through strategic partnerships, foreign military sales (FMS), direct commercial sales (DCS), and international government opportunities.

The ideal candidate possesses deep knowledge of international defense markets, geopolitical considerations, export compliance requirements, and defense acquisition processes. This executive will work closely with corporate leadership, capture teams, operations, legal, contracts, and program management to drive sustainable international growth aligned with corporate objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

International Defense & Security Programs

• Support opportunities involving:
• Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
• Direct Commercial Sales (DCS)
• International cooperative programs
• Security assistance programs
• NATO and allied defense initiatives
• Navigate international acquisition environments and customer procurement processes.
• Assist with offset strategies and industrial participation requirements where applicable.

Competitive Intelligence & Market Analysis

• Conduct international competitive analysis, customer assessments, and market research.
• Analyze competitor positioning, regional market dynamics, and procurement trends.
• Provide executive leadership with market intelligence, growth forecasts, and strategic recommendations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with:
• ITAR
• EAR
• Export control regulations
• Anti-corruption laws (FCPA)
• International trade regulations
• Coordinate with Legal, Contracts, and Compliance teams on international business activities.
• Assess political, operational, financial, and regulatory risks associated with international pursuits.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Contracts, Legal, and Program Management teams to support international growth initiatives.
• Mentor and support regional business development personnel and partner networks.
• Contribute to long-range strategic planning and international growth objectives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS 

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), International Affairs, or related field.
• Active Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI security clearance.
• Foreign language proficiency.
• Experience living or working internationally.
• Prior military, diplomatic, or government service experience.
• Experience with:
  • NATO programs
  • International aerospace and defense programs
  • Offset agreements
  • Industrial participation strategies
  • International teaming arrangements
• Existing international customer and partner network.
• Familiarity with regional defense markets in:
  • Europe
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Middle East
  • Latin America
• Knowledge of international financing and government-to-government acquisition mechanisms.

RESPONSIBILITIES

International Market Development

• Identify, assess, and pursue international business opportunities aligned with corporate growth strategy.
• Develop and execute regional market entry and expansion strategies across allied and partner nations.
• Build and maintain qualified international opportunity pipelines across defense, aerospace, security, and government sectors.
• Monitor geopolitical, defense spending, and procurement trends to identify emerging opportunities.

Customer & Partner Engagement

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with foreign government officials, military leadership, embassies, prime contractors, channel partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Represent the company at international trade shows, defense exhibitions, industry forums, and customer engagements.
• Develop strategic partnerships, teaming agreements, joint ventures, and channel relationships to support market expansion.
• Coordinate executive-level customer engagements and international visits.

Strategic Growth & Capture Support

• Lead opportunity qualification, pursuit strategy, and capture activities for international opportunities.
• Collaborate with capture, proposal, pricing, and technical teams to develop competitive solutions and win strategies.
• Support development of international business cases, investment strategies, and growth plans.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to align technical capabilities with customer requirements and regional priorities.

International Defense & Security Programs

• Support opportunities involving:
• Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
• Direct Commercial Sales (DCS)
• International cooperative programs
• Security assistance programs
• NATO and allied defense initiatives
• Navigate international acquisition environments and customer procurement processes.
• Assist with offset strategies and industrial participation requirements where applicable.

Competitive Intelligence & Market Analysis

• Conduct international competitive analysis, customer assessments, and market research.
• Analyze competitor positioning, regional market dynamics, and procurement trends.
• Provide executive leadership with market intelligence, growth forecasts, and strategic recommendations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with:
• ITAR
• EAR
• Export control regulations
• Anti-corruption laws (FCPA)
• International trade regulations
• Coordinate with Legal, Contracts, and Compliance teams on international business activities.
• Assess political, operational, financial, and regulatory risks associated with international pursuits.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Contracts, Legal, and Program Management teams to support international growth initiatives.
• Mentor and support regional business development personnel and partner networks.
• Contribute to long-range strategic planning and international growth objectives.