RFP Specialist

Business Development Representative

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced business development professional with aexperience specifically in thespace industry. This role requires hands‑on experience identifying space‑sector sales and partnering opportunities, cultivating customer and partner relationships, and generating competitive proposals and quotes. The ideal candidate has deep familiarity withspace systems, spacecraft, rockets, and space‑based technologies, and will play a critical role in driving growth and maintaining strong relationships within thespace and defense sectors(not general aerospace).

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain effective customer and partner relationships across thespace industry ecosystem, including commercial space, government space programs, and defense‑related space applications.
• Identify, qualify, and trackspace‑focusedsales leads and strategic partnering opportunities.
• Coordinate the generation of proposals, work scope, milestone schedules, and price quotes for space‑industry opportunities.
• Lead contract negotiations in coordination with management.
• Support marketing and branding initiatives, including attending trade shows and conferences related tospace, satellites, launch vehicles, and space systems.
• Work closely with internal teams, including engineers, to support technical and business development efforts within the space domain.
• Provide regular reporting on leads, opportunities, contract actions, customer feedback, and market trends within the space sector.
• Conduct limited cold outreach while managing a high volume of inbound space‑industry RFPs/RFQs.
• Assist the outside sales team by prospecting and developingnew space‑focused business opportunities.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of direct experience in thespace industry(space systems, spacecraft, launch vehicles, or satellite technologies).
• 5+ years in business development, inside sales, quote generation, or proposal coordination — specifically supporting space or defense‑space programs.
• Strong understanding of technical specifications and standards forrockets, spacecraft, space avionics, and space‑based systems.
• Experience handling bids/proposals, RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and quotations within the space sector.
• Ability to independently sell and communicate highly technicalspace‑related products.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; Master’s degree ideal (Business, Engineering, Space Systems, or similar).
• Knowledge of ITAR, FAR, and DFAR regulations.
• Ability to build and maintain strong industry relationships withinspace agencies, launch providers, satellite manufacturers, and space‑technology companies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Estimation experience is a plus.
• Existing relationships withmajor space industry players(e.g., NASA, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, JPL, etc.) are highly desirable.
• Experience transitioning from engineering to business development — particularly withinspace systems— is an advantage.

Work Environment

Our company is a specializedspace technology organizationbased in Pasadena, CA. We design, manufacture, and testspace avionics and sensor systemsfor a wide range of missions. We operate in a dynamic, start‑up‑like environment with a team of 35 employees.

• Core hours: 9 AM – 3 PM (flexible scheduling).
• 100% in‑office role.
• Minimal travel (primarily for industry trade shows).
• Creative, supportive, and flexible work culture.
• ITAR Facility (U.S. Persons only).

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pasadena, CA.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Pasadena,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 17, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.