Director of Commercial Business Development

The role

The Director of Commercial Business Development will build and own strategic relationships across the commercial space ecosystem. This person will develop market strategies, shape customer opportunities, and lead business development from qualification through contract. They will partner with internal teams to ensure commitments are technically feasible and aligned with company strategy.

What you will do

• Build, maintain, and own strategic relationships across the commercial space ecosystem.
• Develop account and market strategies for priority commercial segments.
• Shape opportunities by connecting customer pain points to Katalyst solutions.
• Own or lead business development strategy from opportunity qualification through contract.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, Programs, Mission Operations, Finance, Contracts, and executive leadership.
• Support and lead customer briefings, capability demonstrations, proposals, and negotiations.
• Create repeatable business development and partnership mechanisms.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Prior experience in commercial business development, sales, partnerships, strategy, space technology, aerospace, satellite services, or a closely related role.
• 8+ years' experience at a high-growth commercial space, aerospace, robotics, or deep-technology company.
• Demonstrated experience developing senior customer relationships and converting market needs into funded opportunities, contract awards, strategic partnerships, revenue, or measurable advancement.
• Strong understanding of commercial space markets and procurement processes.
• Ability to lead business development activities from ambiguous early-stage opportunity through execution.
• High technical and mission fluency regarding spacecraft, autonomy, RPOD, mission operations, software, robotics, or on-orbit services.
• Excellent executive communication and writing skills.
• Ability to comply with applicable export-control, customer-access, confidentiality, and contracting requirements.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Nice to have

• Experience structuring and negotiating strategic partnerships, commercial contracts, joint go-to-market arrangements, anchor-customer agreements, or other complex business relationships.
• Understanding of commercial contracting fundamentals including scope, statements of work, pricing, payment milestones, intellectual property, data rights, liability, insurance, export controls, and tr

Benefits

• Stock options & equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Catered lunches
• Relocation bonus
• Discretionary bonuses

Before you apply

• Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment.

About the company

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. They are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles.