Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production.

Purpose

Divergent is seeking a Sr. Principal, Business Development and Head of Air Force Strategy to support business development with key industry partners and lead the strategic engagement with the Department of the Air Force. This is a mid-level role designed for individuals with experience in working with and/or for defense companies and selling to those companies and the US Air Force. This role requires extensive knowledge of the U.S. Air Force mission , organization and funding. This role also requires the development of relationships, development of partnership opportunities and the ability to close on contracts with industry partners. This position will report to the VP of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships and work closely with the other principles, the Capture team and the Program Management team.

The Role

Key Account Managements: Own and manage key accounts and relationships within those accounts. Execute account growth strategies aligned to commercial priorities and drive opportunity progression and program insertion
Strategy Development: Develop and drive the execution of a tailored U.S. Air Force strategy that identifies near/long term opportunities, key personnel, organizational touch points, and funding to deliver DAPS capability to AF missions either directly or through the Primes.
Business Development: Forms partnerships, identifies new opportunities and markets to expand and deliver value.
Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate across the integrated capture team and work closely with the program managers and other key account programs.
Customer Interface: Support customer meetings, prepare status reports, and ensure timely response and professional products to support the engagement to include prep materials for senior leadership.
Risk and Issue Management: Identify risks or challenges in building relationships and address with leadership early to keep momentum on partnerships and opportunities.
Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate records in the CRM, action item trackers, and program documentation; ensure compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and aerospace quality standards.
Metrics and Reporting: Prepare dashboards, KPIs, and performance metrics for internal leadership.
Proposal and Business Capture: Support
Continuous Improvement: Participate in process improvement efforts to streamline program execution and enhance efficiency

Basic Qualifications

Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
Senior leadership experience in or with the U.S. Air Force, with deep understanding of domain-relevant strategy, acquisition pathways, and operational needs.
Proven ability to drive business development and strategic partnerships in the national security or defense sector.
Familiarity with advanced manufacturing, defense innovation ecosystems, and sustainment or modernization programs.
Strong communication and translation skills—able to bridge conversations between engineering, operations, and policy communities.
Demonstrated success working across teams and guiding programs from concept to execution in complex environments.
Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
Minimum of 15 years of experience within the A&D industry
Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence both internal and external stakeholders
Experience working in cross-functional teams on A&D programs
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of additive manufacturing applications and/or munition weapon systems
Active DoD Security Clearance

Work Environment

This position will require hybrid or remote working with refrequent travel

Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels S07- S08 as evaluated through our interview process.

Principal: $179,610 - $246,960
Senior Principal: $207,420- $285,200

Pay Range

$179,610—$285,200 USD

What We Offer:

Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
EEO Poster

In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected.

E-Verify: Right to Work
Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.
Eligibility to Work Poster (English) | Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)

Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

No agencies, no solicitations, and no calls please.

Sr. Principal, Business Development & Head of Air Force Strategy

Summary

Required Skills

Details

Description