Business Development Director (Government Programs)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR (GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS)

Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.

We are seeking a Business Development Director to lead Freeform’s growth across US government agencies and military organizations. This role is responsible for identifying, shaping, and winning strategic opportunities across DoD organizations, military branches, program offices, and federal innovation pathways. Success requires a strong understanding of how government programs are structured, funded, competed, and executed, from early prototyping efforts through production scale contracts.

The ideal candidate understands how to navigate acquisition pathways, build long term relationships with program managers and mission owners, and translate operational needs into executable contracting strategies. This may include prior experience within a government organization, military service, or a company that has successfully captured and executed federal contracts, though direct government service is not required.

You will operate at the intersection of technology, mission need, and contracting, helping Freeform expand its role in programs where manufacturing capability directly influences system performance, supply chain resilience, and deployment timelines. Freeform is already supporting mission critical government initiatives and is expanding its engagement as demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities continues to increase.

Responsibilities:

Develop and execute Freeform’s government growth strategy across DoD agencies and military branches

Identify, qualify, and shape new opportunities across BAAs, RFIs, RFPs, SBIR and STTR programs, and OTA pathways

Lead capture strategy for key government programs, including proposal development, contract structuring, and long-term program positioning

Build and maintain relationships with government program managers, technical leads, mission owners, and acquisition personnel

Navigate federal acquisition processes including FAR based contracts, OTAs, rapid acquisition pathways, and prototype to production transitions

Align Freeform’s technical capabilities with mission driven requirements across aerospace, space, propulsion, and defense systems

Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to define executable scope, cost models, and scalable production plans for government customers

Support the transition of early-stage prototype programs into sustained production contracts

Provide executive leadership with insight into federal budget cycles, program timing, and emerging mission priorities

Represent Freeform in government facing forums, industry days, and defense innovation engagements

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

10+ years of experience in business development, capture, program strategy, or related roles within federal or defense markets

Demonstrated experience identifying and winning US government contracts

Familiarity with DoD acquisition cycles and federal contracting structures

Experience engaging directly with government program offices and acquisition stakeholders

Must be located in the Greater Los Angeles area, Washington DC, or be willing to relocate to either

Nice to Have:

Prior experience working within a US government organization or military branch

Former military service

Direct experience with OTAs, FAR based contracts, SBIR or STTR programs, or rapid acquisition pathways

Experience transitioning programs from prototype to production within a government context

Active or previously held security clearance

Educational background in engineering or technical discipline

Strong understanding of aerospace, propulsion, structural systems, manufacturing, or high-performance hardware programs

Location:

Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA’s deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.

What We Offer:

We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.

We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.

Benefits

Significant stock option packages

100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)

Life insurance

Traditional and Roth 401(k)

Relocation assistance provided

Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays

Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent

Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette

Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events

Compensation

As an early-stage startup, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.

In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $150,000-$200,000, plus substantial quarterly bonus targets. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.

Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.