Business Development Aerospace & Defense in Rochester, New York at QED Technologies International LLC

• Lead all business development and sales activities within QED Optics primary market segments: defense and aerospace, semiconductor and other precision optics markets. This will include new market development, pipeline ownership, forecasting, and account planning.
• Identify, qualify, and secure new opportunities aligned with QED’s strategic priorities, including DoD programs, aerospace platforms, and government‑funded research initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with key stakeholders at prime contractors, subsystem suppliers, integrators, and relevant government agencies.
• Mentor and lead QED Optics commercial sales team
• Develop a deep understanding of customer requirements and translate them into actionable sales opportunities.
• At times may be required to directly manage key accounts
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, capability briefings, and value‑driven proposals.
• Coordinate closely with engineering teams to develop accurate estimates, feasibility assessments, and compliant responses to RFQs, RFPs, and program solicitations.
• Represent QED at industry conferences, defense‑focused events, trade shows, and customer meetings.
• Guide opportunities from initial engagement through contract award, ensuring alignment with technical, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Coordinate with the marketing team on various campaigns and messaging.
• Maintain high visibility in market trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies that may influence QED’s commercial strategy.
• Support senior leadership in shaping long‑term business plans, pricing strategy, and go‑to‑market initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as required to support QED’s growth objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related technical field; an MBA preferred but not required.
• 6–10+ years of progressive sales or business development experience in precision optics, with significant experience selling into the defense and aerospace sectors.
• Strong knowledge of export compliance, defense procurement processes, DoD program structures, FAR/DFARS fundamentals, and prime contractor acquisition workflows.
• Past Personnel Security Clearance (PCL) for defense related sales a plus.
• Direct experience with optical fabrication, precision manufacturing, metrology systems, or related high‑technology equipment.
• Familiarity with MRF, SSI, or advanced optical processing techniques is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical sales cycles and win high‑value programs.
• Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Highly motivated, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%, with periods of higher travel as needed.

The salary offered will be based on the years of experience, education and special skills as compared with current employees of similar experience, education and/or skills, to maintain the current internal equity.

QED offers a generous benefit package which includes a discretionary bonus, based on the financial performnace of the company.

QED Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. However, we are regulated by ITAR and as a result we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

All canddiates must indicate whether or not they are legally authorized to work in the United States currently and whether or not they will require USCIS or visa sponsorship (now or at any time in the future) to be able to continue to work in the United States.