Sales Client Partner

Shape the future of innovation as we tackle cutting-edge projects that make a difference.  We’re not just in the business of engineering—we’re building a brighter future. Driven by creativity and a culture of excellence, we believe in the power of engineering to solve today’s challenges and create opportunities for tomorrow. What we do matters.

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is growing and looking to add a Sales Client Partner to drive and sustain profitable growth for our strategic accounts in Aerospace and Defense Programs.

Due to the nature of the role US Citizenship is required and will need to be located in Cedar Rapids, IA.

As our Sales Client Partner, you will lead business development, scale and penetrate assigned accounts, seeding innovative ideas contributing to customers Digital/Engineering Initiatives.  This Individual should have an excellent track- record of building customer relationships, consulting on Sustainable relevant solutions for customers. The individual will work closely with the Internal Leadership Team and is responsible for leading and growing the overall relationship including Revenue and Profit responsibility for the existing accounts and contributing to the overall growth and development of the Virtual Business Unit (VBU).  The role will entail overseeing several pursuits, mining and mapping a focused account, sector specific strategies and driving the supporting solution team to provide a credible and quality response to client’s requirements. The Client Partner will head a segment of the Virtual Business Unit (VBU) for a major Aero & Defense account and bring a focused approach towards addressing this customer’s needs and strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Relationship Management: Build trust and strong partnerships with client personnel at all levels, leveraging relationships to position the company as a preferred partner.
• Business Development: Drive the opportunity management cycle (Prospect-Evaluate-Propose-Close) to grow revenue, expand into new services, and enhance account engagement through strategic and unsolicited campaigns.
• Strategic Account Planning: Develop and execute account strategies, including SWOT analysis, growth identification, and competitive reviews, to guide investment and resource allocation.
• Customer Engagement and Communication: Conduct regular customer reviews, deliver branded communications, and ensure proactive and transparent communication aligned with client needs.
• Solution Selling: Collaborate with delivery teams to propose tailored solutions, leveraging cross-sell and up-sell opportunities to enhance customer value.
• Account Operations and Governance: Oversee the entire account lifecycle, including strategic pricing, proposal development, forecasting, and billing rate negotiations to ensure profitability and operational excellence. Partner with Delivery management to achieve goals and support strategic initiatives.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead sales and delivery teams in a matrixed environment, fostering collaboration, guiding professional growth, and aligning efforts to strategic objectives.
• Market and Revenue Strategy: Analyze competitive landscapes, structure large deals, and drive revenue growth through strategic investments, pricing strategies, and innovative business models.
• Expanding Client Partnerships: Identify opportunities to expand into new geographies, divisions, or services, ensuring alignment with the client’s evolving needs and strategic goals.

Qualifications:  

• 10+ years in sales, relationship, or account management, managing accounts worth $8–$10M+ in the Aerospace or Defense Industry.
• Bachelor’s Degree (MBA or advanced account management training preferred).
• Strong engineering and digital solutions knowledge, including product life-cycle expertise.
• Experience/Familiarity with lifecycle engineering services, including embedded software and systems engineering, firmware, mechanical and structural design and analysis, manufacturing and software/hardware support.
• Domain knowledge in domains such as Aerosystems (Nav, Avionics, braking, power, mission computers) Aero Engines (controls, HMS, sensors), and Aircraft and Spacecraft (HMS, system integration, etc.).
• General knowledge of Commercial and Mil Standards such as DO-178, DO-278, DO-254, Mil Std 882, ARINC 652, FACE, and MOSA.
• Experience with 3^rd party outsourcing and Supply Chain/Vendor Management Systems
• Proven experience in business development, proposal creation, and leading cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in selling processes, pricing, negotiation, and long-term contract agreements.
• Established relationships with senior/mid-level technical managers and decision-makers.
• US Citizenship Requirement
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Results-driven, analytical, and self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
  • Decisive thinker with strong networking and relationship-building abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly competitive environment, consistently outperforming goals and delivering results with a winning attitude.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; effective in executive-level presentations.
  • Proficient in strategic planning, CRM tools, and sales strategy execution.
  • Maintains focus and persistence in challenging situations, with a track record of overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
  • Ability to gather information, accurately assess situation and next steps, then lead, coordinate, and leverage internal resources to advance potential customer solutions.
  • Familiarity working with global remote teams and offshore delivery models.

Why QDSS Solutions:

We’re a family-like-company. We are collaborative. We believe in embracing change. We believe in doing consistent good work. QDSS houses smart, curious and passionate about “making a difference” people.  Our company culture sets us apart from others as well as: 

• 401k with Employer-Match Contributions
• Medical, Dental, and Life coverage
• Disability Benefits
• Generous compensation structure
• Significant opportunities for advancement
• Next Generation / Cutting Edge Technology Projects
• Certification Assistance Available (Approval Required)
• Flexible, Friendly and Fun work environment

About Us

At QDSS, we are more than an engineering company—we are a force for innovation and positive change. With over 25 years of proven expertise in solving mission-critical challenges, we empower our team to push boundaries, combining deep industry knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative "think tank" approach.

Our vision is to be the trusted partner of choice for defense and aerospace clients by delivering secure, sustainable, and world-class solutions that build a brighter future. With a team of experienced engineers, we specialize in developing solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. Partnering with Fortune 50 clients, we take the time to understand unique requirements and deliver tailored solutions—whether it’s custom avionics software for unmanned aerial vehicles or safety-critical software for medical devices—bringing the expertise and experience needed to ensure the highest quality outcomes.

QDSS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Cedar Rapids, IA  Must be local to the area or willing to relocate