At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new customer acquisition and manage complex sales cycles with engineering teams.
- Company: Join Sift, a pioneering tech company transforming engineering processes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission, equity, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-growing startup with a dynamic team and exciting challenges.
- Why this job: Shape the future of advanced systems in aerospace and defence while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 6-10+ years in technical sales, strong communication skills, and a passion for engineering.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 110000 £ per year.
Sift is building the infrastructure that modern engineering teams rely on to design, test, and operate complex machines. Our platform provides real-time observability for high-frequency telemetry, enabling engineers to debug complex systems faster, identify failures earlier, and operate safely in environments where reliability is mission-critical.
Sift was founded by engineers who worked on some of the most ambitious aerospace programs in history — including Dragon, Falcon, Starlink, and Starship at SpaceX. Those programs exposed the limits of existing tools for telemetry analysis, system debugging, and mission-critical validation. Sift was built to solve those challenges and is now supporting teams building advanced systems across aerospace, defense, robotics, energy, and industrial manufacturing.
We are expanding our go-to-market presence across Europe and are hiring an Account Executive based in London to help build and grow Sift’s customer base in the region. This role is ideal for an experienced sales professional proficient in highly technical sales, familiarity with the European hardware / defense landscape, and interest in kickstarting a new sales region for a high growth startup.
The Role
As an Account Executive at Sift, you will own complex sales cycles with engineering and technical teams building some of the most advanced systems in the world. You will work closely with the existing sales and technical teams to identify new opportunities, guide customers through technical evaluations, and close deals that deliver measurable engineering value. This role involves working with technical stakeholders such as engineering leaders, systems engineers, and program managers, while also aligning executive buyers around commercial outcomes. The role is based in London, with travel across Europe for customer meetings, industry events, and technical evaluations when required.
Responsibilities
- Drive New Customer Acquisition
- Identify and develop new opportunities with engineering-driven organisations across Europe
- Prospect into target accounts and build relationships with technical and executive stakeholders
- Develop account strategies and manage a pipeline of qualified opportunities
- Run Technical Sales Cycles
- Lead discovery conversations to understand system architecture, telemetry workflows, and engineering challenges
- Partner with solutions engineering and product teams to guide technical evaluations and pilots
- Define success criteria and drive evaluations toward clear business outcomes
- Close High-Value Deals
- Manage opportunities from initial conversation through contract signature
- Align technical validation with commercial decision-making
- Navigate procurement, legal, and security processes typical in enterprise and government‑adjacent environments
- Collaborate Cross‑Functionally
- Work closely with Solutions Engineering, Product, and Customer Success teams
- Share insights from the field to improve product positioning and sales strategy
- Help Develop Sift’s European Playbook
- Be the lead point of contact for Sift in the EMEA market
- Work with leadership to identify the best expansion strategy for the team
- Help interview and hire as the team expands
- Maintain Forecast Accuracy
- Maintain disciplined pipeline management and forecasting
- Clearly communicate deal progress, risks, and next steps to leadership
What You’ll Gain
- Experience selling a highly technical product to advanced engineering teams
- Exposure to complex enterprise sales cycles
- Opportunity to help shape the European go‑to‑market strategy for a fast‑growing deep‑tech company
- Close mentorship from experienced enterprise sellers and technical teams
- Exposure to customers building cutting‑edge systems in aerospace, defense, robotics, and industrial technology
We’re Looking For Someone Who
- Is based in London or able to work from London
- Has 6‑10+ years of experience in a quota‑carrying sales role
- Has experience selling technical or complex products (SaaS, engineering software, or infrastructure platforms) in complex organizations
- Is comfortable engaging technical stakeholders such as engineers and architects
- Demonstrates strong curiosity and the ability to learn complex technical concepts quickly
- Has a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets
- Communicates clearly and confidently with both technical and executive audiences
- Thrives in early‑stage environments where processes are still evolving
- Is highly motivated and willing to invest the effort required to succeed in complex enterprise sales
Location
This role is based onsite in London, United Kingdom and will require travel and work within the EU.
Compensation
Base salary £75,000–£110,000 (GBP) per year, plus £75,000–£110,000 (GBP) commission, bonus, equity, and benefits.
Founding Enterprise Account Executive (Europe) in London employer: Sift
Sift is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets engineering excellence. Based in London, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth through mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge projects in aerospace and defense. With competitive compensation packages and the opportunity to shape the European go-to-market strategy for a high-growth startup, Sift is committed to empowering its team members to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact in advanced technology sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Enterprise Account Executive (Europe) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Sift and understand their products inside out. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in technical sales. We want to show them we’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and keeps us fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why we’re the best choice for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the Sift team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Enterprise Account Executive (Europe) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Account Executive at Sift. Highlight your experience in technical sales and any relevant achievements in complex environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about joining Sift and how your background fits our mission. Be specific about your experience with engineering teams and your understanding of the European market.
Showcase Your Technical Acumen:Since we’re looking for someone who can engage with technical stakeholders, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully navigated technical sales cycles in your application. This will help us see your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Sift!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sift
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Founding Enterprise Account Executive, you'll be dealing with highly technical products. Make sure you understand Sift's platform and its applications in engineering. Brush up on telemetry workflows and system architecture to impress your interviewers.
✨Research the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the European hardware and defence landscape. Understand the challenges faced by engineering teams in these sectors. This knowledge will help you engage effectively with potential clients and demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Conversations
Expect to lead discovery conversations about complex engineering challenges. Prepare questions that show your understanding of technical evaluations and how they align with business outcomes. This will showcase your ability to navigate technical sales cycles.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Be ready to discuss your track record in meeting or exceeding revenue targets. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully closed high-value deals, especially in complex organisations. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
