Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:

Benchmark Space Systems, a leader in small satellite propulsion systems and in-space mobility services, is looking for an experienced Mission Concepts Manager to join our team. The Mission Concepts Manager will lead concept architecture development responsive to mission needs, support proposal development, evaluate technical compliance, and be a focal point for internal technical stakeholders regarding new business and follow-on opportunities. Applicants should have experience working in aerospace on technical solutions for new business opportunities and the ability to think creatively across a broad range of technical disciplines. This position will also function as a Technical Sales Lead as a high-impact, customer-facing role that will contribute significantly to the growth of Benchmark, the success of our customers' and partners' missions, and the development of the new space economy.

As part of the Business Development team at Benchmark, this role will work closely with business development, leadership, engineering, program management and product teams to build Benchmark's business that serves commercial and government end-users. This is a role for an individual with strong business acumen and a proven track record for understanding and shaping customer requirements, developing, and refining product and service roadmaps, optimizing technical proposals, and enhancing overall technical marketing materials. This is an exciting time in the development of the new space economy and a great time to join Benchmark in a pivotal role as the company continues to grow and deliver industry leading in-space mobility products and services.

For qualified applicants, this role is based out of Burlington, VT. Other remote locations may also be considered if they are advantageous to developing customer and industry relationships.

About Benchmark:

Benchmark designs and produces propulsion systems that maneuver small satellites between low earth orbit and the moon. These systems utilize non-toxic propellants to provide thrust to transfer to a specific orbit, maintain position, avoid collisions, and a range of other applications. These capabilities enable activities such as on-orbit refueling, in-space manufacturing, re-entry, and more. True to its Vermont roots and values, Benchmark's mission is to keep space accessible and sustainable for generations to come, and to enrich Vermont's growing tech sector.

Benchmark has built a world-class team of engineers and business development professionals with offices on the shores of Lake Champlain, in Silicon Valley, and the United Kingdom.

Measurements of Success/Primary Job Responsibilities:

At its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to solve problems, not be afraid to ask questions, able to work with and help colleagues in different departments, and work on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:

• Work in partnership with Business Development, customers, and partners to understand and shape technical requirements for small satellite propulsion systems and in-space mobility services.

• Work in partnership with Business Development, Product Management, R&D, and Engineering to develop and optimize Benchmark's product and service roadmaps and work with the product development teams to create and modify product requirements based on customer-experience & inputs.

• Act as the lead technical voice in the development of win strategies for new business opportunities.

• Lead the technical writing and creation of supporting technical exhibits (tables, charts, CAD drawings, graphics, etc.) for responses to RFIs and RFPs.

• Lead the development of technical elements of sales collateral and other marketing materials.

• Manage and maintain internal configuration tools and dashboards.

• Plan and coordinate inputs from Engineering, Product, Operations, and other technical subject matter experts, as needed for business development activities.

• Interpret and clarify technical elements of customer drawings, plans, and statements of work.

• Identify and develop high-value technical papers to educate, inform, and inspire our customers and partners.

• Lead the technical assessments of competitive products and services.

• Develop technical relationships with customers to identify and unlock new and follow-on business.

• Provide technical voice-of-the-customer feedback to leadership and product managers as part of planning and strategy sessions.

• Support and participate in marketing programs, conferences, and events.

• Understand the role technical solutions can play in addressing emerging space policies that promote the responsible and sustainable expansion of the space economy.

• Organize and conduct customer technical exchange activities such as technical exchange meetings, facility tours, and product demonstrations.

• At all times, maintain Benchmark's outstanding reputation for operating at the highest levels of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Education and/or Experience:

• BS degree in Engineering or a closely related.

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace engineering focused on design, manufacturing, and analysis of next generation technologies.

• 3+ experience working with propulsion or satellite subsystems.

• Willingness and ability to travel at least 10% of the time with the potential to surge to greater travel at times.

• U.S. Person required.

• Security clearance not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

What you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:

• Possess a passion for supporting emerging high-tech markets (space) with both commercial and government applications.

• Possess a strong understanding of business-to-business sales processes, best practices, concept development, and technical proposal writing.

• Ability to discuss technical systems and practical applications to a variety of audiences.

• Ability, agility, and can-do attitude to work in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and matrixed cross-functional environment.

• Able to collaborate in a multi-team environment to plan and accomplish tasks and meet objectives.

• Communication Skills—Ability to understand, analyze and interpret business periodicals, technical procedures, or government policy.

• Uses effective written, visual presentation, and oral strategies to communicate technical problems and concepts to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.

What makes you stand out:

• Previous experience in propulsion.

• Previous experience in satellite manufacturing, development, and analysis.

• Previous experience in space mission design & trades.

• Previous experience with CAD software design (SolidWorks or similar).

Benefits:

• Performance-based bonuses.

• Health insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).

• Vision & Dental Insurance (80% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).

• Company paid Short-term and Long-term disability coverage, AD&D, and life insurance.

• 401(k) with employer match.

• Flexible schedule and opportunity for hybrid work.

• Unlimited vacation.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

While performing duties of this job, the employee is predominately functioning in a sedentary light office position with high frequency of telephone communication, keyboarding, and computer. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times. Must be able to travel frequently.

Benchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at careers @ benchmark-space.com