Business Development Manager

GK Mechanical Systems is seeking an experienced business development professional to lead growth within naval, maritime, and defense markets. This individual will focus on developing new opportunities for engineered mechanical systems, locking mechanisms, restraint systems, deployment systems, and custom mission-critical hardware.

The ideal candidate understands how to navigate engineering organizations, shipbuilders, program offices, and defense contractors to identify challenges early in the design cycle and position GK Mechanical Systems as a preferred engineering and manufacturing partner.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a strategic growth plan focused on naval and maritime defense programs.
• Build relationships with:
• Naval architects
• Design engineers
• Program managers
• Shipbuilders
• Defense integrators
• Government engineering organizations
• Engage customers early in the product development cycle to identify opportunities for engineered solutions.
• Work directly with GK engineering teams to shape customer requirements into manufacturable solutions.
• Lead opportunity capture efforts from concept development through production award.
• Identify applications for:
• Positive locking systems
• Mechanical restraint systems
• Deployment mechanisms
• Blade fold systems
• Mission equipment mounting solutions
• Custom engineered mechanical assemblies
• Represent GKMS at naval and defense industry events and technical conferences.
• Maintain an active pipeline of strategic opportunities and provide accurate forecasts.

Target Customers:

Naval Shipbuilders

• General Dynamics Electric Boat
• Newport News Shipbuilding

Government Engineering Organizations

• Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane
• Naval Air Systems Command
• Naval Sea Systems Command

Defense Integrators

• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
• Leidos
• BAE Systems
• L3Harris Technologies

Desired Experience:

• Experience selling engineered products or technical solutions rather than catalog products.
• Understanding of naval shipbuilding, defense systems, or military platform development.
• Experience engaging engineering teams and influencing designs before production release.
• Ability to manage long sales cycles and complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to discuss mechanical systems with engineers.

Success Metrics:

First 12 Months

• Establish relationships with key engineering organizations across naval and defense markets.
• Generate a qualified opportunity pipeline exceeding $15M.
• Identify and qualify multiple opportunities tied to future naval platform development.
• Secure engineering engagement on at least three strategic development programs.

Long-Term Objective

Position GK Mechanical Systems as a trusted engineering partner for mechanical systems and mission-critical hardware supporting next-generation naval and defense platforms.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related technical field required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in business development, technical sales, program management, engineering, or capture management within the defense, naval, maritime, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success developing new customer relationships and capturing complex technical opportunities.
• Experience working with government agencies, defense contractors, or naval shipbuilding organizations is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of engineering-driven product development and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Travel & Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel 35–50%+ domestically, occasional international travel may be required.
• Ability to attend customer meetings, trade shows, shipyards, manufacturing facilities, and defense installations.
• Must a US Citizen, possess a valid driver's license, and be eligible to travel throughout the US.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods while visiting customer sites and production facilities.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds (trade show materials, samples, literature, etc.).

Culture Fit:

The ideal candidate will have most of the following traits:

• Self-driven, highly assertive, confident,
• Team player – collaborative attitude.
• Internally motivated and operates with personal integrity.
• Leads by example and inspires team members and leaders to the next level of success.
• Results oriented and drives a sense of urgency through the organization.
• Deeply knowledgeable and intuitive about the direction and trends in technology and the market space.