Director of Sales - Europe

About Kepler Communications: We provide real‑time Internet access for space‑based assets, enabling a new era of data‑driven exploration and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, delivering real‑time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on‑orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. Our team of bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem‑solvers thrives on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives and are committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact.

Position Overview: Kepler is hiring a Director of Sales to lead the growth of our real‑time optical data relay, on‑orbit compute, and hosted payload services across commercial and government sectors in the European Union. Experience selling in Germany, France, and Scandinavia is a plus. This individual will own customer relationships and strategic capture activities with commercial, defence and government organisations looking to leverage Kepler’s secure, low‑latency space network with advanced compute for routing and real‑time streaming of mission‑critical data. The role blends technical solutioning with strategic account leadership and will be instrumental in shaping how national customers access, move, and compute data in space.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Kepler’s European business capture and customer engagement strategy focused on secure, resilient satellite data relay, on‑orbit compute, and hosted payload services for commercial, government and defence applications.
• Build and maintain executive‑level relationships with key stakeholders such as MODs, sovereign space agencies, commercial decision‑makers, and procurement organisations.
• Identify and develop revenue‑generating opportunities tied to space‑based connectivity, payload hosting services, and in‑space compute, AI and integrated use cases.
• Navigate and influence customer decisions for space‑based ISR, C4ISR, wide‑area monitoring, Earth observation and space‑situational awareness programmes.
• Collaborate with Kepler sales and marketing leadership to articulate strong value propositions for Kepler’s products and services.
• Partner with Product and Engineering to align Kepler’s capabilities—including inter‑satellite links, software‑defined networking, and data relay nodes—with mission‑critical customer requirements.
• Lead capture efforts from ideation to proposal submission.
• Represent Kepler at relevant European space, defence, and technology conferences.
• Support long‑term strategy, product‑market feedback, go‑to‑market planning, and cross‑functional resource alignment as part of the Kepler leadership team.
• Provide recurring input to executive leadership on market conditions, pipeline progress, product‑market fit and customer priorities.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in earth observation, space systems or high‑technology business development within the commercial, government or defence sectors.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, defence studies or a related field.
• Proven record of success in revenue generation and customer relationship management in European commercial and government environments.
• Strong understanding of earth observation and ISR space‑based applications.
• Familiarity with space‑based mission applications such as real‑time Earth observation, ISR and wide‑area monitoring.
• Experience navigating both commercial and public‑sector procurement cycles and defence acquisition frameworks.
• Ability to communicate credibly with operational and technical leaders.

Bonus Points:

• MBA and/or master’s degree in engineering, aerospace, defence studies or a related field.
• Background in military operations, defence or service.
• Relevant security clearances.
• Prior senior leadership roles at satellite operators, ground segment providers or defence primes.
• Exposure to edge computing in space, data centre virtualization or cloud‑integrated satellite solutions.
• Experience with international capture programmes, especially within NATO, EU and related mission areas.
• Understanding of Controlled Goods Programme, ITAR/CGP, and national export‑control frameworks.
• Strong existing network within the European space and defence ecosystem.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation designed to recognise and reward your contributions.
• Comprehensive private medical coverage, with dental and optical benefits available, including dependent coverage.
• Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company‑wide holiday shutdown.
• Semi‑annual company‑wide parties and regular virtual and team events.
• Relocation packages available for approved roles.
• €1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.
• Town halls, celebration calls and frequent company‑wide events to stay connected and engaged.
• Certified Great Place to Work® for five years in a row at our Canadian headquarters.

Equal Opportunities Statement: Kepler Communications is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

Accommodation: If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at accommodation@kepler.space, and we will work with you to meet your needs.