Director of Business Development - Aerospace & Defense
Listed on 2026-01-23
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Sales
Sales Engineer, Business Development, Sales Manager -
Business
Business Development
Overview
The Director of Business Development for Aerospace & Defense will be a strategic individual contributor for a defined vertical market, accountable for building Jet Edge’s presence, expanding market share, and driving enterprise sales. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution: setting direction for the vertical, identifying opportunities for growth, and managing the full sales cycle with support from a dedicated technical team.
One of our primary focus verticals is Aerospace & Defense (commercial and defense aerospace, marine, and military/defense applications). In these demanding industries, our durable system design, precision High Rail platform, and exceptional after-sales service have earned strong customer loyalty. The Director of Business Development will leverage this value proposition to meet vertical-specific needs, build executive-level relationships, and deliver measurable growth.
Responsibilities- Cultivate long-term relationships with decision-makers across target verticals
- Act as a trusted advisor by understanding customer challenges and presenting tailored solutions
- Represent our client at trade shows, conferences, and industry events
- Develop and execute vertical-specific growth strategies
- Prioritize and pursue high-potential prospects with tailored pursuit plans
- Lead consultative sales engagements, demos, solution design, and ROI discussions
- Manage pipeline, forecasting, and reporting through CRM tools
- Partner with application engineers, marketing, and product experts to deliver solutions
- Collaborate with marketing on campaigns and vertical-specific initiatives
Must-Have
- 10+ years of enterprise sales or business development experience in capital equipment, industrial technology, or manufacturing solutions
- Bachelor’s degree (Business, Engineering, or related field) or equivalent experience
- Proven track record of vertical market presence and revenue growth in demanding industries
- Deep industry expertise and established relationships within target verticals
- Strategic market analysis and vertical growth planning
- Value-based and consultative selling — able to connect our client’s differentiators (durability, precision, reliability, after-sales support) to customer ROI
- Executive-level relationship building and trusted advisor influence
- Contract negotiation and deal structuring expertise
- Disciplined pipeline management and forecasting with CRM tools
- Strong technical acumen to credibly communicate product differentiators
- Willingness to travel nationally up to 50%
- Resilient, persistent, and results-driven mindset
- High integrity and professional credibility
Preferred
- Strong industry presence through networking, trade shows, and associations
- Experience selling into highly regulated industries
- Innovative and adaptable approach to changing market conditions
- Customer-success orientation beyond the initial sale
- Base salary with performance-based incentives (commission/bonus)
- Professional development opportunities and direct engagement with executive leadership
Jet Edge Waterjet Systems, based in St. Michael, Minnesota, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of ultra-high-pressure waterjet cutting systems. Since 1984, we have specialized in building the most durable and precise waterjet solutions for mission-critical applications. Unlike competitors, Jet Edge designs and manufactures both pumps and motion systems in-house, offering unmatched reliability and integration.
Our customers span the aerospace & defense, metals distribution, automotive, medical, marine, construction, and industrial manufacturing sectors. With a reputation for 24/7/365 operation, best-in-class after-sales support, and industry-leading reliability, Jet Edge is entering an exciting new phase of growth with a sharpened vertical focus and ambitious market expansion.
Core Values- Think Yes First – seeing problems as opportunities to create value.
- Strive Together to Achieve Excellence – collaborating as a team to solve complex challenges.
- Continuously Inventive – adapting to evolving markets and customer needs.
- Dedicated to Customer Success – measuring success by customers’ long-term results
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