Director of BD & Sales - Aero

We are Gilat. Anywhere on the planet and in space, we bring Boundless Communications.

Gilat Satellite Networks (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a global leader in satellite communication, connecting the world with reliable, fast, and seamless solutions. We push the boundaries of satellite, ground, and space technologies to ensure connectivity for all.

Our division, Gilat Defense, provides secure, rapid-deployment SATCOM solutions tailored for military and HLS organizations, government agencies, and defense integrators, with a strong focus on supporting the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and allied forces worldwide. By being under the Gilat umbrella, the division delivers end-to-end solutions with multiple layers of communication redundancy, ensuring maximum operational availability. Trusted by the U.S. DoD, NATO and global defense forces, Gilat Defense’s field-proven solutions offer secure, high-performance connectivity, delivering reliable, battle-tested performance in the toughest environments to meet the critical SATCOM needs of modern defense

Gilat Satellite Networks continues to expand its footprint in the U.S., particularly within the defense and UAS ecosystem. As part of this growth, we are seeking a U.S.-based, well-connected industry leader with deep operational, programmatic, and market experience in defense and unmanned aerial systems. This role will be critical in promoting Gilat’s aerial portfolio across U.S. and European markets, working closely with DoD stakeholders and OEMs, including (but not limited to):USAF, SOCOM, Textron, Lockheed Martin, and other key defense and UAS players.

Our objective is to establish and grow Gilat’s presence within the U.S. DoD and DoD OEM drone ecosystem. This role requires a well-connected industry leader with deep operational, programmatic, and market experience in defense and unmanned aerial systems, capable of shaping strategy, building partnerships, and owning complex capture and growth initiatives.

Role Focus (Target Split)

• 60% – Defense & UAS OEMs
• 30% – Satellite Service Providers
• 10% – End Users

• Conduct market assessments and manage business development activities to support growth throughout DoD with emphasis on military.
• Be responsible for identifying and qualifying new business development opportunities and assisting in the capture management and proposal development processes. These efforts will include opportunity identification, qualification, strategy creation and end-to-end pursuit ownership for active business development opportunities.
• Responsible for maintaining the “pipeline” for new business and capture/recapture efforts of existing contracts, ensuring accuracy of the data for all opportunities assigned under this position.
• Responsible for maintaining the “pipeline” for accuracy of the data for opportunities.
• Lead the Aero defense market for the U.S. and globally, with overlay responsibility outside of Israel.
• Lead and grow the UAV/UAS market, with strong consideration for export control, regulatory, and compliance constraints.
• Drive strategic partnerships, opportunity capture, and long-term revenue growth across defense and UAS segments.
• Establish and expand relationships with key DoD stakeholders and OEM partners, including (but not limited to): USAF, SOCOM, Textron, Lockheed Martin, and other major defense and UAS players.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities, owning capture strategy and end-to-end pursuit execution.
• Maintain and manage an accurate business development pipeline, including probability of win assessments, revenue projections, and forecast inputs.
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, pre-sales, and program teams to align solutions with customer requirements.
• Support development of annual and long-range strategic business plans aligned with Gilat’s defense and aerospace growth objectives.
• Represent Gilat at key industry events, customer meetings, trade shows, and DoD-related forums.

• Highly desired: 7-10 years of progressive experience in Business Development in DoD contracting environment.
• Established familiarity and/or relationships within the U.S. UAV/UAS market, including aerial platform manufacturers, OEMs, integrators, and defense stakeholders.
• Former military pilot background strongly preferred (rank range: Major to Lieutenant Colonel).
• Four (4) year degree from an accredited university. Master’s Degree is a plus
• Strong defense background, ideally including hands-on operational experience.
• Proven credibility and established network within U.S. defense, aerospace, and UAS communities.
• Deep understanding of U.S. government acquisition processes and defense program structures.
• Active security clearance not required but strongly preferred; must be eligible to obtain clearance if needed.
• Strong executive communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver compelling presentations.
• Proven Sales/Capture track record – project level or higher – that illustrates success in BD, Government Program/Project management, and general management responsibilities.
• Thorough understanding of complex government processes and procedures
• Proven track record of success in Business Development in the DoD contracting environment
• Current experience with DoD facilities programs in the areas of managing scope, quality, schedule, and cost for projects at a mid and senior level.
• Knowledge of decision makers, strategic direction, and major programs in the subject market space.
• Collaborative leader with ability to pull together cross functional support for BD initiative.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in technical writing a plus

We offer a fantastic benefits package which includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(K) with company contribution
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Gym Membership
• Ongoing growth & development opportunities + access to continuing education through Coursera
• Financial planning assistance through Empower
• Legal & Wellness Assistance through LifeCare

***NO RECRUITERS PLEASE

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations made by to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties and responsibilities can be changed at any time at management discretion.

Gilat Defense is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

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• Flexible hours
• Hybrid
• Health care
• Training and development opportunities