Business development manager

At Hydrasearch, we support the mission behind the mission, equipping our military and maritime partners with the engineered solutions that keep operations moving forward. Hydrasearch is seeking a technically proficient and results-driven Business Development Manager to lead customer acquisition and account growth with allied defense markets globally. This role requires a deep understanding of federal procurement cycles, defense logistics operations, and specification-driven engineered systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Account Development & Capture Strategy: Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities within DoD agencies, prime contractors, naval shipyards, system integrators, and aerospace OEMs. Lead preproposal engagement, capture planning, and application input for new programs.
• Technical Solution Selling: Translate customer mission requirements and technical documentation (MIL-DTLs, NAVSEA drawings, Technical Documents, and QPL specs) into Hydrasearch product offerings. Guide customers through design-in and application engineering phases.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interface with end users, program managers, procurement officers, and technical authorities at military and commercial maritime facilities. Cultivate relationships with key distributors and international partners.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Serve as the customer voice to internal product management, engineering, and manufacturing teams. Track opportunities through CRM (Salesforce preferred) and provide detailed customer and competitor intelligence.
• Field Representation: Attend technical conferences, defense trade shows (e.g., Sea-Air-Space, DSEI, LAAD), site surveys, and supplier reviews. Provide technical presentations and support product demos in field environments.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field preferred; equivalent military or technical experience accepted.
• 5+ years of technical sales, program management, or field support experience in the defense, aerospace, or shipbuilding industries.
• Proven ability to read and interpret MIL-SPECs, NAVSEA drawings, and federal procurement solicitations (FAR/DFARS familiarity required).
• Strong mechanical or systems aptitude, and able to interpret CAD drawings, interface requirements, and materials specs.
• Familiarity with export controls (ITAR/EAR), DFARS 252.204-7012/CMMC compliance, and U.S. defense contracting practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred).
• Familiarity with raw materials, including alloys, and the applicable specifications governing their use.
• General understanding of machining processes, with emphasis on turning and milling operations.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Prior work with Maritime Mil-Specs, or similar defense hardware specifications.
• Sales or support roles with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers in naval systems, ground vehicles, or defense aviation.
• Experience with DLA procurement, FMS programs, or NAVSUP/Warfighter Support Commands.
• Familiarity with GSA schedules, BOA/IDIQ contracts, and DoD small business set-asides.
  
  

What We Offer

• Direct engagement with programs that safeguard national and allied interests.
• A collaborative, agile environment with the backing of a global enterprise.
• Opportunities for advancement in sales leadership, program capture, or international growth initiatives.
• We’re small enough that you will own outcomes but backed by a larger enterprise with resources to win.
• This role offers freedom to lead, room to grow, and recognition from both peers and leadership.
  
  

The Person We’re Looking For

• A self-starter with a hunter’s mindset and a heart for service
• Detail oriented yet persuasive; a balance of process and presence
• Inspired by mission, recognition, and growth
• Loyal, resilient, and able to navigate the complexity of large organizations
• Someone who takes pride in solving hard problems that matter
  
  

The Dixon Group is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices and laws. Accordingly, to the fullest extent required by applicable law, The Dixon Group strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons.

The Dixon Group is committed to protecting the privacy rights of its employees and job applicants to the fullest extent required by applicable law. To that end, personal information will be collected solely for those legitimate business purposes recognized by law, and then maintained in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to document retention requirements. The Dixon Group does not sell personal information to third parties, and does not share such personal information with third parties except when authorized by law to do so (e.g., in response to a lawful subpoena; mandatory tax reporting; etc.)

Please contact us at (410) 778-2000 or [email protected] if you need help to participate fully in the application process.