Director of Sales - Europe

TL;DR

Director of Sales - Europe (Space Connectivity): Lead growth of real-time optical data relay, on-orbit compute, and hosted payload services across EU commercial, government, and defense sectors with an accent on strategic capture, customer relationships, and revenue generation. Focus on identifying opportunities in space-based ISR, Earth observation, and wide area monitoring, navigating procurement cycles, and aligning technical capabilities with mission requirements.

Location: Remote (Germany market focus; experience selling in Germany, France, and Scandinavia is a plus)

Company

Provider of real-time space connectivity via the first commercial optical data relay constellation, supporting on-orbit compute and hosted payloads for space-based assets.

What you will do

• Lead European business capture and customer engagement strategy for secure satellite data relay, compute, and payload services.
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with MODs, space agencies, commercial leaders, and procurement organizations.
• Identify and develop revenue opportunities in space connectivity, payload hosting, in-space compute, AI, and integrated use cases.
• Navigate customer decisions for ISR, C4ISR, Earth observation, and space situational awareness programs.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, product, and engineering to align capabilities and lead capture from ideation to proposals.
• Represent Kepler at European space, defense, and tech conferences; provide market feedback to leadership.

Requirements

• 8+ years in earth observation, space systems, or high-tech business development in commercial, government, or defense sectors.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, defense studies, or related field.
• Proven success in revenue generation and customer management in European commercial/government environments.
• Strong understanding of earth observation, ISR, and space-based mission applications like real-time EO and wide area monitoring.
• Experience with commercial/public procurement cycles and defense acquisition frameworks.
• Ability to communicate credibly with operational and technical leaders.

Nice to have

• MBA or master’s in engineering, aerospace, or defense studies.
• Background in military operations or defense service.
• Relevant security clearances.
• Prior senior roles at satellite operators, ground providers, or defense primes.
• Exposure to edge computing in space or cloud-integrated satellite solutions.
• Experience with NATO/EU programs and export controls like ITAR/CGP.
• Strong network in European space/defense ecosystem.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive private medical coverage including dental/optical and dependents.
• Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave, and company-wide holiday shutdown.
• Relocation packages for approved roles.
• $1,500 EUR annual professional development fund.
• Semi-annual parties, regular events, town halls, and celebration calls.