Federal Growth Leader (Air and Space Systems)

Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D’s advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.

The Federal Account Executive for Canopy is a leadership role who owns and expands Canopy’s relationships across the U.S. government (primarily the Department of Defense) and adjacent prime integrators. This person will focus on shaping new government programs, navigating the path from R&D to acquisition, and ensuring that our advanced materials find their way into real-world defense systems. You’ll work closely with lab-based researchers, acquisition officers, primes, and technical leads to align our product development roadmap with federal priorities. This is not a passive BD role – this is a front-line leadership position designed for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology, strategy, and impact.

This role will start as an individual contributor role, and the individual should be prepared to walk in the door as a skilled operator who can win US government R&D contracts within the first 3-6 months. You’ll work closely with contributors across the Canopy A&D platform companies, specifically technical leadership who are responsible for building and executing complex technical efforts. Long-term success is defined as driving significant top-line revenue that from government programs that is squarely aligned with Canopy’s technical product development strategy.

· Own an extreme passion for understanding our government partners’ missions across both commercial and defense sectors – especially where next-gen functional materials can 10x performance across space, air, and energy systems

· Build and deepen relationships with key stakeholders representing strategic weapon system development: AFRL branches, AFNWC, Global Strike Command, Navy and other relevant orgs (not inclusive)

· Build and deepen relationships with key stakeholders representing space systems: AFRL branches, Space Systems Command, NASA, NRO and other relevant orgs (not inclusive)

· Shape new funding opportunities with federal R&D stakeholders that align with Canopy’s roadmap in advanced signal attenuation materials and advanced manufacturing technologies

· Partner with aerospace and space primes to align technical capabilities and support transition planning for emerging government needs

· Lead and support proposal efforts as a prime contractor and teaming partner

· Act as a technical advisor and market translator, collaborating with internal teams to guide prioritization and respond to evolving federal needs

· Work with technical teams post-award to ensure technical execution stays aligned with evolving mission priorities

· Promote and advocate for Canopy’s products, services, and priorities to position the team as the most trusted next-gen supplier in the world

· Maintain a high-fidelity customer knowledge management system

· Sincere excitement for the technologies Canopy develops and problems we solve for our customers

· Undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering or science

· 7+ years of experience in government engagement, advanced R&D, or business development within the air and space systems domain

· Acquisition expert: clear understanding of how the government budgets, prioritizes, and contracts with industry

· Technical enough to explain material performance, system integration risks, and manufacturing limitations—and comfortable in rooms with both PhDs and program managers

· Energized by hard problems and long-cycle revenue generation — but still able to show urgency, close gaps, and move programs forward

· Experienced in writing and winning proposals, particularly within defense R&D and for subsystem-level innovations and as a strategic supplier through teaming agreements

· Previous success across the entire customer lifecycle in a B2B sales / business development function for hardware products or technical services

· Distinguished performance leading negotiations with customers and closing deals

· Expert-level communication skills with extreme attention to detail: email, phone, in-person, graphics design, and MS office suite

· Technical workplan development and project management experience

· Well-established network with customers and influencers in our target industry segments

· Entrepreneurial attitude – you make things happen proactively

· Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Security Clearance. This includes meeting background check and other requirements as defined by the U.S. government.

· Advanced degree in a materials or chemistry-related field of study

· Prior service in or direct experience with DoD program offices, especially in strategic systems, hypersonics, or materials

· Relationships with primes and emerging ‘new primes’ involved in thermal protection, missile systems, hypersonics or other systems that integrate next-gen materials

· Familiarity with manufacturing scale-up for dual-use components

· Experience leading technical project teams

· Active US security clearance

· Type: Full-time

· Business Hours: Core

· Reports to Chief Revenue Officer, Canopy Aerospace & Defense

· Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000

· Travel: 25%-50%

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. Retirement plan participation (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.