Vice President, Business Development

Irvine, CA
Full-time
Posted Nov 13, 2026

Skills

Embedded Systems
Procurement

Job description

Aerospace is at a turning point — costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can’t keep up. At Neon Aero, we’re breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production.

Here, you won’t just take a job — you’ll help reinvent how the world flies. If you’re ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact.

Neon Aero is building next-generation aerospace platforms designed to move faster than legacy timelines and unlock new mission capability. We’re looking for a VP of Business Development to lead our growth strategy across defense, government, and commercial markets—owning the relationships, capture strategy, and deal execution that turn breakthrough technology into scaled programs.

This is a high-impact leadership role: you’ll sit at the center of customer discovery, partner strategy, and $100M+ pursuits, helping position Neon as the partner of choice for complex, mission-relevant aerospace systems.

Why this Role Matters:

•Lead Neon’s business development and growth strategy across defense, government, and commercial markets.

•Expand partnerships with Tier 1 OEMs, government agencies, and international customers to accelerate adoption of Neon’s next-generation aerospace platforms.

•Drive go-to-market strategies, capture planning, and competitive campaigns for large-scale programs and pursuits ($100M+).

•Shape Neon’s position in complex systems for aerospace technologies by aligning customer needs with transformative solutions.

What You’ll Bring:

•Extensive business development leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or high-tech markets.

•Proven success securing government programs of record and long-term Tier 1 OEM contracts.

•Deep knowledge of embedded systems.

•Expertise navigating FAR Part 12 commercial procurement processes and transitioning technologies into government adoption.

•Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performance teams, negotiate complex deals, and deliver sustained revenue growth.

•A collaborative, strategic thinker who thrives in fast-moving environments and brings a passion for advancing aerospace innovation.

Why Join Us:

•Work alongside elite engineering and business talent shaping the future of flight.

•Be part of a team moving faster than the industry standard to deliver transformative aerospace solutions.

•Shape strategies that position Neon as a leader in advanced systems, electrification, and scalable aircraft technologies.

•Competitive compensation, including equity participation, growth opportunities, and full health benefits (medical, vision, dental, 401K) designed to support you in and out of work.

This is the expected compensation range for this role. Final compensation will be based on role scope, experience, skills, internal equity and location. This role may also be eligible for bonus/equity/benefits, if applicable.

$250,000 — $325,000 USD

Neon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.

At this time, Neon Aero and its divisions are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies.