At C-CORE, we are committed to investing in people and creating a dynamic and rewarding employment experience. We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager for our Defence and Space team, to grow our relationships and business opportunities across Canada’s defence, security and space sectors. Based in the Ottawa region, this role offers the opportunity to work with military, government and industry leaders to connect C-CORE’s research and technology capabilities with emerging operational needs.

About C-CORE

C-CORE conducts R&D and provides research-based advisory services, delivering engineering and technology solutions to national and international clients. For over 50 years, we have built a multidisciplinary team working across remote sensing, space systems, oceans and energy. Our capabilities span earth observation and geospatial intelligence, satellite design and development, ground stations, maritime surveillance, unmanned systems, and Arctic operations.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Vice President, Business Development, you will identify, develop and advance opportunities with the Department of National Defence (DND), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Canadian Space Agency (CSA), defence and space prime contractors, and other government and industry partners. You will build trusted relationships, develop partnerships and manage opportunities from initial engagement through proposal development and contract award.

Working closely with C-CORE’s technical teams, you will translate capabilities into solutions that address customer priorities. You will independently manage day-to-day customer engagement, networking and opportunity follow-up, working closely with technical leads, project managers and senior leadership on proposals, partnerships and commercial decisions.

This position has no direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain trusted relationships across DND, CAF, CSA, defence and space prime contractors, government, and industry.
• Identify and advance opportunities from initial engagement through proposal development, follow-up, negotiation and contract award.
• Develop partnerships with prime contractors, technology companies and research organizations, including opportunities supported by Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) commitments.
• Monitor defence and space priorities, CSA programs, procurement activity and emerging requirements to inform business development planning.
• Work with technical teams to understand customer needs and develop credible solutions and clear value propositions.
• Prepare and support proposals, presentations, capability briefs, expressions of interest and other business development materials.
• Represent C-CORE at customer meetings, demonstrations, conferences and industry events.
• Maintain an active opportunity pipeline, with consistent follow-up, internal coordination and clear priorities and next steps.

Skills & Abilities

• An excellent relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and diligence is critical in this role.
• An exceptional written and verbal communicator who can explain complex information clearly and concisely.
• Able to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• A confident leader who can build trust and credibility with employees and leaders at all levels.
• A sound decision-maker who can balance organizational objectives, employee needs, policies, and legal requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, science, technology or a related field.
• Minimum five years of combined experience in defence, space, business development, ITB programs, account management or a related area.
• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams to identify and capture new business opportunities.
• Experience engaging senior military, government and industry stakeholders and representing technical capabilities in a customer-facing role.
• Working knowledge of the Canadian defence environment and procurement processes, including operational and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) programs.
• Understanding of technical R&D environments. Familiarity with CSA programs and the Canadian space sector is an asset.
• Previous CAF service or experience within DND, a defence prime or a space organization is an asset. An established network across defence, space, government and industry is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with Arctic operations, maritime domain awareness, sensors, space systems, satellite communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), or uncrewed systems is an asset.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain Government of Canada and NATO Secret security clearances.
• Bilingualism in English and French is an asset.

Working Conditions

You will work from C-CORE’s Kanata office, with regular in-person engagement throughout the National Capital Region. Occasional travel within Canada is required, with potential for international travel. Conferences, networking events and customer activities may occasionally require work outside normal business hours.

Why Join Us?

C-CORE offers competitive salaries and benefits, including attractive vacation entitlements and comprehensive medical and dental plans. We support professional development and personal growth. At C-CORE, our people are at the heart of our success. As Business Development Manager, you will help bring Canadian research and technology into operational use, working with technical specialists and customers across defence and space.

Deadline to Apply

November 6, 2026

C-CORE thanks all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.