Strategic Customer Engagement Manager

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. 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. 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