📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth
🔹 Company: Leidos
🔹 Location: Reston, VA (with travel to Huntsville, AL, and San Diego, CA)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Aerospace & Defense
🔹 Date Posted: March 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with travel)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading business development efforts for the Aerospace Business Area in the Leidos Defense Systems Sector.
- Managing a team of business development professionals to achieve short and long-term business development goals.
- Identifying gaps and emerging program requirements, performing market and economic analysis, and designing and executing formal capture plans.
- Collaborating with other Leidos sectors and the broader Defense Systems Sector to bring the best technology and discriminators to bear in large captures.
- Developing and implementing strategies in new areas to provide the business opportunities for new “white space” growth.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the defense and aerospace industry to successfully drive growth in the Aerospace Business Area.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Partner with the Aerospace Business Area SVP to support Business Strategy and pipeline development, customer relationship management, capture and proposal leadership, intra and inter-sector collaboration, IR&RD development and execution and NBF investments consistent with the business area’s overall strategy in order to achieve top and bottom-line growth objectives.
✅ Lead the growth team to create synergies with the program and technical teams on Space systems, Hypersonic systems, multi-domain intelligence analysis, Foreign Military Exploitation and other aerospace programs building strategy, roadmaps, opportunity pipelines and capture campaigns.
✅ Identify, develop, and implement strategies in new areas that provide the business opportunities new “white space” growth.
✅ May have other business development activities, such as investigating and evaluating potential mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, geographic expansions, licensing, partnerships, joint ventures, new business/market opportunities and sustainability to determine if such activities are in line with the organization's overall strategy and vision.
✅ Continuously monitor the market to keep track of competitor developments and their impact on market share.
✅ Lead business planning activities, to include biweekly pipeline reviews, bid agenda development, opportunity collaboration sessions and gate reviews, black hat sessions, win theme and discriminator workshops, and proposal writing and reviews.
✅ Lead the development and maturation of the BA pipeline, establish BD priorities and recommends the allocation of resources. Manage a team of up to 12 business development and capture professionals.
✅ Support the Sector Strategy & Business Operations Manager in developing the annual operating plan, developing quarterly forecasts and participating in Monthly Operating Reviews.
✅ Establish and measure progress against sector and BA priorities and annual operating plan targets for qualified pipeline growth, win rates, submits and awards.
✅ Assist in development and implementation of the business area strategy and based on market research and corporate direction.
✅ Coordinate with Leidos organizations who develop emerging technologies in other markets.
✅ Coordinate meetings with customers, competitors, clients, and teammates to develop market insight on requirements, acquisition strategy, acquisition timing, and contract vehicle choices.
✅ Develop and support strategic partnerships with industry leaders, driving innovation and new business opportunities.
✅ Represent Leidos in the industry through participation in industry-related organizations, conferences and panels.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the defense and aerospace industry to successfully manage the full business development life cycle and achieve growth goals.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree and at least 15 years of related experience or Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience
Experience: 6+ years of experience supervising or leading business development teams or programs
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of successful capture and pipeline management across multiple Defense and Intel customer R&D and S&T organizations and program offices at a variety of acquisition sizes
- Proven success in developing and implementing growth campaigns delivering successful outcomes
- Experience with maturing and transitioning prototypes to spin offs or Programs of Record (PORs) and keep it sold strategies
- Demonstrated access to key government customers such as DARPA, IARPA, DoD and national labs, the 5 major IC customers as well as industry partners
- Ability to travel as required: approximately 25% per month
- Demonstrated working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Ability to use automated tools such as Microsoft Office to present ideas, information, and reports and a customer relationship management to track opportunities and manage pipeline
- Active Top Secret/ SCI level clearance
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Government/DoD budget, investments and acquisition processes
- Leadership skills to develop, organize and execute significant capture activities, including building industry teams, assessing win probability, and executing customer call plans to shape acquisitions, to respond to and win business with new and existing customers
- Ability to gain internal support, operate independently with limited supervision and feedback, and establish a solid working relationship with senior management, technical staff, division managers, and peers in the sector and across the enterprises
- Management of a pipeline of opportunities with a value of $1 billion or greater. Management of a pipeline of opportunities in DOD or Civil preferred.
ASSUMPTION: The required qualifications listed are essential for success in this role, and the preferred qualifications would provide a significant advantage in driving growth and achieving business development objectives.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $216,800.00 - $348,750.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Income Protection
- Paid Leave
- Retirement
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with approximately 25% travel required
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The benefits listed are a general overview and may vary based on the employee's role and tenure with the company.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Leidos operates in the defense and aerospace industry, focusing on critical areas such as Space Systems & Sensors, Hypersonic systems, Cyber and IT solutions, multi-domain Intelligence analysis, and Foreign Military Exploitation.
Company Size: Leidos is a Fortune 500 company with approximately 48,000 employees globally, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Leidos was founded in 1969 and has since grown into a leading provider of innovative technology and engineering solutions.
Company Description:
- Leidos is a global, 47,000-employee Fortune 500 enterprise committed to making the world safer, healthier, and more efficient.
- Over the past half-century, Leidos has worked in some of the most advanced areas of science and technology to deliver critical solutions to our customers' most demanding challenges.
- Leidos has been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Company Specialties:
- Defense
- Intel
- Sensors
- Health Systems
- Enterprise IT
- Cyber
- Systems Integration
- Space
- Healthcare
- Digital Modernization
- Cybersecurity
- AI/ML
- and Aviation
Company Website: https://www.leidos.com
ASSUMPTION: Leidos' extensive experience and expertise in the defense and aerospace industry make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to national security and health initiatives.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive
Reporting Structure: The Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth reports directly to the Aerospace Business Area SVP and collaborates with other Leidos sectors and the broader Defense Systems Sector.
Work Arrangement: This role requires approximately 25% travel to Huntsville, AL, and San Diego, CA, with the remainder of the time spent working on-site in Reston, VA.
Growth Opportunities:
- Leidos offers opportunities for career growth and development through mobility and development opportunities.
- The Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role provides the opportunity to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the growth and success of the Aerospace Business Area.
- Leidos' large and diverse workforce provides ample opportunities for collaboration and learning from experienced professionals in various fields.
ASSUMPTION: The Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, including the chance to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the success of the Aerospace Business Area.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Leidos' offices are modern and well-equipped, providing a comfortable and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): Reston, VA (with travel to Huntsville, AL, and San Diego, CA)
Geographic Context:
- Reston, VA: Located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Reston offers a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to major transportation networks and cultural attractions.
- Huntsville, AL: Known as "Rocket City," Huntsville is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation.
- San Diego, CA: With a mild climate, beautiful beaches, and a thriving tech industry, San Diego provides an attractive work-life balance.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with approximately 25% travel required
ASSUMPTION: Leidos' offices provide a comfortable and collaborative work environment, and the locations offer a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to major transportation networks and cultural attractions.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- Phone or video interview with the hiring manager or a member of the team
- On-site or virtual final interview with key stakeholders
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Business development and capture management experience
- Industry knowledge and customer relationships
- Leadership and team management skills
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant business development and capture management experience, as well as your industry knowledge and customer relationships.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership and team management skills, as well as your ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Research Leidos' business areas and the Aerospace Business Area specifically to demonstrate your understanding of the company and the role.
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Capture Management, Pipeline Management, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Industry Knowledge, Customer Relationships, Federal Acquisition Regulations, FAR, Defense Industry, Aerospace, Hypersonic Systems, Space Systems, Multi-Domain Intelligence Analysis, Foreign Military Exploitation
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for the Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role will focus on assessing the candidate's business development and capture management experience, as well as their industry knowledge and leadership skills.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
- Business intelligence and market analysis tools
- Project management software
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are commonly used in business development and capture management roles and may vary depending on the specific needs of the role and the organization.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions
- Excellence: Strive to be the best in our industry and deliver exceptional results for our customers
- Collaboration: Work together, across boundaries, to achieve our mission
Work Style:
- Leidos fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging open communication and active participation in decision-making processes.
- The Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision and feedback.
- Leidos values diversity and inclusion, and encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of successful capture and pipeline management in the defense and aerospace industry?
- Are you comfortable working independently with limited supervision and feedback, and establishing a solid working relationship with senior management, technical staff, division managers, and peers in the sector and across the enterprises?
- Do you have experience with maturing and transitioning prototypes to spin offs or Programs of Record (PORs) and keep it sold strategies?
ASSUMPTION: Leidos' company values and work style emphasize integrity, excellence, and collaboration, and the Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision and feedback.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role requires a high level of strategic thinking and leadership, as well as a deep understanding of the defense and aerospace industry.
- The role may involve managing a team of up to 12 business development and capture professionals, requiring strong leadership and team management skills.
- The role requires approximately 25% travel, which may present challenges for candidates with personal or family commitments that limit their ability to travel.
- The defense and aerospace industry is subject to frequent changes and uncertainties, which may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more stable and predictable work environment.
ASSUMPTION: The Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role presents significant challenges and opportunities for the right candidate, including the chance to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the growth and success of the Aerospace Business Area.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- The Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role is unique in its focus on driving growth and achieving business development objectives within the Aerospace Business Area of Leidos.
- Similar roles in other organizations may have a broader focus or may be more narrowly defined, depending on the organization's structure and priorities.
- Career paths for similar roles may vary depending on the organization's size, industry, and growth trajectory.
ASSUMPTION: The Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role is unique in its focus on driving growth and achieving business development objectives within the Aerospace Business Area of Leidos, and career paths for similar roles may vary depending on the organization's size, industry, and growth trajectory.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a growth campaign for a new “white space” opportunity in the hypersonic systems market
- Maturing and transitioning a prototype to a Program of Record (POR) for a space-based sensor system
- Building and leading a cross-functional team to capture a multi-domain intelligence analysis contract with a value of $1 billion or greater
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed are illustrative of the types of projects the Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth may be expected to lead and contribute to, and may vary depending on the organization's priorities and the specific needs of the Aerospace Business Area.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of the Aerospace Business Area's pipeline and the priorities for growth in the coming year?
- How does the Aerospace Business Area collaborate with other Leidos sectors and the broader Defense Systems Sector to leverage technology and discriminators for large captures?
- What are the key challenges facing the Aerospace Business Area, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does the Aerospace Business Area support the development and implementation of the business area strategy, and what role does this position play in that process?
- What opportunities exist for growth and development within the Aerospace Business Area and Leidos more broadly?
ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview for the Vice President, Aerospace Systems Growth role focus on understanding the organization's priorities, challenges, and growth opportunities, as well as the role's specific responsibilities and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant business development and capture management experience, as well as your industry knowledge and customer relationships.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership and team management skills, as well as your ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Research Leidos' business areas and the Aerospace Business Area specifically to demonstrate your understanding of the company and the role.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or a member of the team within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
