Business Development Manager, Defense

How many companies have their products installed on more than one planet? Vaisala does. From predicting hurricanes to optimizing renewable energy production, our technologies are used where it matters the most – from data centers, windfarms and laboratories to airports, the Arctic and even the surface of Mars. Our team of over 2,300 experts and 59 nationalities around the world is committed to taking every measure for the planet.

We are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager, Defense Meteorology to join the Flagship Business Unit (FBU) at Vaisala. As the Gold Standard across the Weather Enterprise, the FBU team is responsible for Vaisala’s Meteorology, Aviation, Defense Meteorology and Road Weather business, and is the foundational cornerstone of Vaisala’s Weather Energy & Environment business. You will be joining a highly motivated team of professionals, responsible for building long-term, profitable business partnerships as part of Vaisala’s global operations. This will be a hybrid position in our Louisville, Colorado office location.

Step into this pivotal enterprise role if you are driven to build robust customer relationships and navigate strategic initiatives and large-scale program opportunities!

Why join us?

We are the global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements, and we are looking for a leader to actively drive our existing business further into the defense meteorology space. Our success is built on decadal key account management relationships. You will be the Vaisala champion that carries our brand reputation forward, with responsibility for mapping the requirements for weather observations & systems in the defense domain, helping to define and roadmap our next generation of products and services.

What's your role?

The Business Development Manager, for Defense Meteorology is responsible for driving sales growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion in the defense meteorology sector. This role involves engaging with government agencies, military organizations, and defense contractors to identify existing and emerging needs for weather observations and information. This market intelligence will support Vaisala’s offering development pipeline through well-defined roadmap proposals, and promote meteorological products and solutions tailored for defense applications.

• Strategic Growth & Sales: Identify new business opportunities, develop sales strategies, and execute plans to expand the organization's footprint within the defense meteorology sector.
• Client & Partner Engagement: Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including military meteorology units, defense contractors, and government agencies in the US and globally.
• Market Analysis & Intelligence: Conduct detailed research on defense meteorology trends, the competitive landscape, and procurement cycles to inform business strategy development. With an initial primary focus on the defense needs and opportunities in N. America this role will also identify global synergies.
• Business Portfolio Development, Product Customization & Alignment: Work closely with Vaisala portfolio and product teams (predominantly located in Finland) to ensure Vaisala’s meteorological solutions meet the specific needs of defense operations, including weather monitoring, forecasting, and hazard detection.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Coordinate with sales, engineering, marketing, and corporate leadership to align business strategies with overall company objectives.
• Representation & Advocacy: Be the recognized Weather Enterprise brand ambassador for Vaisala at defense trade shows, industry conferences, and governmental meetings to promote brand awareness and thought leadership in defense meteorology.

As the successful candidate you will be a self-starting team player, a curious problem solver and seeker, and someone who uses planned, consultative key account methodologies to deeply understand federal agency strategy and translate these needs into business solutions.

What will you bring?

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or strategic partnerships, preferably within the defense or aerospace sector.
• Industry Knowledge: Previous work experience in the defense sector is required, with a strong understanding of meteorological applications in defense, including weather monitoring systems, sensors, and forecasting technologies.
• Government Contracting Expertise: Familiarity with federal acquisition processes, including DoD procurements, FAR regulations, and defense contracting requirements.
• Networking & Relationship Management: Proven track record of engaging with high-level decision-makers within government and defense sectors.
• Communication & Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to draft proposals, conduct presentations, and negotiate high-value deals.
• Security Clearance: Preferred but not always required (ability to obtain a security clearance may be necessary for certain contracts).
• Proficiency in CRM software (Salesforce, SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel (up to 50%) is required, along with a valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other languages of benefit where applicable.

This role is critical in expanding Vaisala's presence in defense meteorology, ensuring cutting-edge technological integration, and fostering long-term relationships within the defense sector. For additional information please contact the N. America Human Resources. Please note that applications sent via email cannot be processed due to privacy reasons. The recruitment process consists of 2 to 3 meetings and may also include a discussion with the team members and a case assignment / aptitude assessment.

ANTICIPATED SALARY: $100,000 - $130,000. Salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for our Sales Bonus plan. We also offer our employees a competitive benefits package.

Ready to take every measure for the planet? Apply at the latest on April 11th, 2025 via the application form.

Our Vaisala solutions contribute to societies and people’s lives in over 150 countries – and can even be found in space. With our technological innovations for measuring weather, environmental and industrial conditions, we have a key role in solving the grand social and environmental challenges of our time. We offer you a career with a clear purpose and a chance to create observations for a better world.  We take pride in being pioneers who strive to bring about positive changes in both the society and environment, and our work is not done yet. Take advantage of this opportunity and join our team to make a difference!

What we offer:

Our benefits package includes: health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, company paid life, long and short term disability, 401(K) plan with company match, a variety of voluntary benefits programs, fitness reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs, and tuition reimbursement. We also offer holiday pay and a generous paid time off plan.

To be considered for this position you must currently be eligible to work in the U.S. Vaisala participates in the E-Verify employment verification system. Candidates are subject to a complete background check prior to an offer being extended.  As a federal contractor, Vaisala reserves the right to enforce government mandated vaccination requirements for its employees.

EOE AA M/F/V/D

Vaisala is proud to be an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, status, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legal protected status.

EEO Is the Law Poster

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. As a government contractor, Vaisala complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (the Act), which is a law that prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against individuals with disabilities and requires employers take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain these individuals.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application for a recognized disability under applicable law, please contact Human Resources by phone at 303-499-1701 or by email at ushr@vaisala.com. Please note that you can easily submit application by attaching your LinkedIn profile in the recruitment tool (LinkedIn Apply functionality).