Business Development Executive – Optics & Defense

Location: Connecticut, California, or Remote
Salary: $80,000 Base + Commission (Estimated $110,000 Total Compensation)
Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday
Travel: Regular North American Travel + Occasional International Travel

About the Business Development Executive Opportunity

Our client, an established international technology and manufacturing organization, is seeking an experienced Business Development Executive to expand its presence in the North American optics and defense markets.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organization specializing in advanced optical technologies, precision components, and defense-related vision systems. The Business Development Executive will play a critical role in identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic customer relationships, and driving long-term revenue growth across North America.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical knowledge, business development experience, and familiarity with the defense industry.

Business Development Executive Responsibilities

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• Develop and expand business opportunities across the North American optics, photonics, and defense markets.

  
  
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• Identify and pursue new customers within defense, aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and related industries.

  
  
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• Drive sales of precision optical components, including lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, and advanced optical systems.

  
  
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• Introduce and develop opportunities for specialized vehicle vision and observation systems within the defense sector.

  
  
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• Build and execute strategic business development plans to support long-term revenue growth.

  
  
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• Establish relationships with defense contractors, manufacturers, government customers, and strategic partners.

  
  
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• Conduct market research to identify emerging technologies, industry trends, and potential customers.

  
  
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• Collaborate with international engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams to develop technical solutions and customer proposals.

  
  
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• Manage the full sales cycle, from prospecting and initial customer engagement through contract negotiations and closing.

  
  
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• Attend industry trade shows, conferences, and customer meetings throughout North America.

  
  
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• Ensure compliance with applicable Department of Defense (DoD) contractual requirements and export regulations.

  
  
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Business Development Executive Qualifications

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• 5+ years of sales or business development experience within optics, photonics, digital imaging, microscopy, defense optics, or related technical industries.

  
  
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• Previous experience working within the North American defense sector required.

  
  
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• Understanding of optical components and systems, including lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, cameras, or related technologies.

  
  
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• Knowledge of DoD contracts, contractual flow-down requirements, export controls, and ITAR required.

  
  
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• Experience developing relationships with defense contractors, government customers, or military equipment manufacturers.

  
  
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• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to understand complex products and communicate effectively with engineering teams.

  
  
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• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

  
  
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• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, or CAD documentation is a plus.

  
  
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• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

  
  
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• Self-motivated professional comfortable working independently in a remote or field-based environment.

  
  
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• Willingness to travel regularly throughout North America, with occasional international travel.

  
  
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• Authorization to work in the United States required.

  
  
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Why Consider This Business Development Executive Opportunity?

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• Competitive compensation package: $80K base salary plus commission, with estimated total annual earnings of approximately $110K.

  
  
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• Remote flexibility with access to established U.S. offices.

  
  
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• Opportunity to develop a growing business segment within the North American defense market.

  
  
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• Work with advanced optical technologies and innovative engineering solutions.

  
  
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• Collaborate with experienced technical and commercial teams across the U.S. and Europe.

  
  
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• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance and potential 401(k) contributions.

  
  
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• Professional development and training opportunities.

  
  
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• Long-term career growth potential within an established international organization.

  
  
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Apply for the Business Development Executive Position

If you're an experienced technical sales professional with a background in optics, photonics, or defense-related technologies, we'd love to connect!

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