Business Development Associate Full‑Time | Entry Level | Fast‑Growing Startup Environment About the Role We are seeking a driven and organized Business Development Associate to support our growth across defense, maritime, and industrial sectors. This role operates within a fast‑moving startup environment where adaptability, collaboration, and hands‑on execution are essential. You will work directly with customers, partners, and internal teams to help advance real programs and real opportunities. Key Responsibilities + Support business development efforts across defense, maritime, and industrial customers + Assist with customer outreach, relationship management, and follow‑ups + Track and manage opportunities within CRM tools and internal pipelines + Coordinate meetings, site visits, and program activities with customers and partners + Conduct market research on programs, customers, and competitive landscape + Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams to align technical capabilities with customer needs + Contribute to improving internal processes as part of a lean, fast‑growing company Required Qualifications + 3–5 years of experience in sales, business development, operations, logistics, program support, or a related field + Strong organizational skills and attention to detail + Excellent written and verbal communication skills + Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment + Comfortable working with technical teams and complex products; hands-on or technical exposure preferred What This Role Is (and Is Not)This role is: + ✔ A growth-oriented opportunity with direct exposure to customers and real programs + ✔ A pathway to more senior roles in sales, programs, or operations + ✔ Hands-on, execution-focused work within an early-stage, fast-moving startup + ✔ A chance to take ownership and make visible contributions on a small team This role is not: + ✖ A cold‑calling or high‑volume SaaS sales position + ✖ A purely administrative or support-only role Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $26.44/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Virginia Beach,VA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Feb 16, 2026. About Aston Carter: Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.