Lead local customer engagement and business development for defense customers at NAWS China Lake. Build relationships, identify and advance opportunities across test range O&M, software engineering, AI, automation, IT, and cybersecurity. Support capture/proposal efforts, partner development, community outreach, and provide market intelligence and leadership updates to drive strategic growth.
Saalex Corporation is seeking a Strategic Customer Engagement Manager in Ridgecrest/China Lake, CA. Saalex Corporation is a professional services company delivering cutting-edge solutions to the Department of War. Our expert-level solutions include software development, information technology, program management, financial management and business intelligence services. Saalex Corporation offers competitive compensation, career development, flexible work schedules and excellent benefits.
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $110k-$170k (depending on experience)
Work Location: Hybrid work/in-office. (see onsite requirements below).
**On-Site Requirements: Work location is hybrid/remote and may require periodic travel up to 50% to DoW customer sites, conferences, and industry events.
Essential Functions:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with government, military, and industry stakeholders throughout the Ridgecrest and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake community.
- Serve as a local representative and trusted point of contact for customers, partners, and community organizations.
- Support strategic growth initiatives by identifying, qualifying, and advancing potential business opportunities aligned with company capabilities and customer priorities.
- Help expand and manage a pipeline of opportunities across Test Range Operations and Maintenance (O&M), Wargaming, Software Development & Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Modernization, Intelligent Automation, IT, and Cybersecurity solutions.
- Gather customer insight, mission requirements, and market intelligence to help shape growth strategies and future pursuits.
- Collaborate closely with business development, capture, operations, and proposal teams to support opportunity development and customer engagement efforts.
- Assist with customer meetings, industry days, conferences, technical exchanges, and community outreach activities to strengthen company visibility and relationships.
- Support capture and proposal activities through customer research, relationship development, competitive intelligence, and opportunity tracking.
- Help identify and establish strategic partnerships and teaming opportunities with government and industry organizations.
- Promote company capabilities and solutions to existing and prospective customers while maintaining awareness of evolving mission needs.
- Prepare customer engagement reports, opportunity summaries, and growth updates for leadership.
- Maintain an active understanding of local government, defense, and industry initiatives that may create future business opportunities.
- Foster long-term customer relationships that position the company for sustained growth and mission success.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
Requirements
Required:
- 5+ years of experience with Naval Programs supporting NAWS China Lake.
- Strong professional network within the Ridgecrest/China Lake defense community.
- Experience working with DoD, Navy, NAWCWD, government contractors, or related organizations.
- Excellent communication, networking, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to represent Saalex professionally with customers, partners, and community stakeholders.
- Self-starter capable of working independently while collaborating with leadership teams.
- Experience supporting business development, capture, proposals, or customer-facing activities.
Desired Qualifications
- Basic understanding of DoW acquisition lifecycle, FAR/DFARS, and major contract vehicles (e.g., GSA OASIS, IDIQs, MACs)
- Experience supporting DoW agencies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines)
- Experience with DoW cybersecurity/compliance requirements (e.g., CMMC, NIST SP 800-171)
Security Clearance:
Must be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Work From Home
- Wellness Resources
- Stock Option Plan
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