Business Development Director - Special US Government Programs

Position Summary:

The SkyWater Federal Business Development role will lead new business discovery, development, expansion, positioning and capture for emerging fabrication technologies and other special programs related functions at SkyWater. This role requires a diverse skillset spanning both technical and business domains.  The successful candidate should have microelectronics fabrication expertise, knowledge of US Government (USG) organizations and funding methods, insight to connect adjacent interests, ability to build and maintain key relationships within the USG and Prime Contractor ecosystem, strong business acumen, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to speak with authority on SkyWater’s value proposition.  This role will identify opportunities for technologies, formulate and execute strategies to successfully enter markets through new business engagements to drive significant growth.  A key deliverable will be positioning SkyWater’s technology and service offerings for success with current and future defense programs as well as commercial offshoots.

Major Areas of Accountability:

• Engage with USG and Prime System Integrator stakeholders to define market, mission, technology and program needs, (co)develop technology solutions and plans, and coordinate support from the various Stakeholders to secure funding
• Communicate SkyWater’s value proposition, ability to address requirements and deliver solutions
• Analyze and understand ecosystem to augment SkyWater’s market share amongst incumbents
• Understand the competitive landscape serving the USG and A&D market.  Create strategies to improve upon and replace existing solutions
• Advocate for market requirements that align with SkyWater’s value proposition
• Engage with US Government and industrial base stakeholders, including DoD, DoE, SPO, Primes, and organizations such as NDIA, to position SkyWater as the best solution provider for mission needs
• Network within USG agencies, departments, and primes to identify needs and opportunities
• Support qualification, development and pursuit of A&D strategic business opportunities
• Work with the Sales team to win opportunities, including driving business into the Sales funnel
• Coordinate and execute go-to-market activities with the Sales and Marketing teams
• Provide a technically competent and business-driven voice to the market
• Provide inputs to CTO, Sales, Marketing, Platforms, BU and Technology organizations to formulate technology roadmaps
• Participate in A&D focused speaking engagements, working groups, and provide feedback & insight relevant to the RadHard microelectronics and other markets
• Partner with corporate marketing and communications teams in branding, thought leadership, event, content & collateral production, marketing infrastructure and lead generation activities within the A&D space
• Identify new opportunities within the USG, Prime System Integrator, Defense Industrial Base (DIB), and SBIR ecosystem for Radiation Hardened microelectronic technology capitalizing on the unique performance, high reliability and economic scaling

Key Goals/Objectives/Activities:

• Research, collect, understand, and communicate the needs and requirements for targeted customers
• Create white papers for articulating SkyWater’s capabilities and potential solutions. Work with SkyWater’s USG relations team to socialize with stakeholders such as legislators, executive branch leaders, program managers, and industrial base collaborators.
• Partner with Design Enablement team to shape platform and system requirements that enable target program technologies
• Assess and increase market penetration by positioning products to drive competitive advantage, increase revenue and grow market share

• Report market and business intelligence, findings, and facilitate discussions with executive management to formulate strategic decisions related to SkyWater’s position with the USG, DIB and Defense market
• Act as the SkyWater champion for technology solutions by maintaining a presence at A&D events, organizations such as NDIA, and other promotional opportunities.   Collect and ascertain Defense business intelligence related to customers, competitors, markets, trends, and industry dynamics
• Benchmark technologies, pricing, capabilities, and value propositions offered by competitors to position SkyWater for long term success
• Identify business opportunities for SkyWater by marketing our technologies and solutions within US Government and DIB stakeholders.  Collaborate with the Sales team to capture this business
• Represent SkyWater as a Trusted Innovation Partner and Honest Broker (vs a transactional vendor)

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in ABET accredited Engineering, Material Science or related program  

• Experience:
• 5+ years experience in semiconductor processing technology or IC design flows.
• 5+ years experience in the defense application space
• Significant knowledge of defense microelectronics market dynamics
• Demonstrated and successful career progression into higher level technical or business Management and Leadership roles

• Skills: Highly proficient computer skills with developed skills in Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Clearance: Willingness to pursue and obtain a TS/SCI security clearance
• Travel Requirements: 10% – 40% travel

• US Citizen required: This position will require the holding of or ability to obtain a high-level government security clearance which requires U.S Citizenship

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong preference for DoD or other USG security clearance at TS/SCI
• Advanced degree in related technology field or business (PhD, MS, MBA)
• Previous experience in sales, business development, or as a product line or business unit manager
• Previous experience working for a manufacturing or service-based technology business
• Experience working contracts with the U.S. Government and Defense Industrial Base
• Knowledge of advanced semiconductor and processing technologies (e.g. silicon photonics, MEMS, superconducting circuits, etc.)
• 5+ years’ experience in a product marketing, business development or sales role

The annual salary range for this role is $153,440 - $230,160.  Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate. 

SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate. 

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life.   This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, an on-site, self-serve market. 

SkyWater is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants for all job openings are welcome and will be considered without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics, medical conditions, family care or medical leave status, military service or status as a Protected Veteran, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws (“Protected Characteristics”). SkyWater complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning EEO/AA employment. SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Human.Resources@SkyWatertechnology.com