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 European Account Executive, London employer: Sift
Sift is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the engineering and technology sectors. With a strong focus on employee growth, Sift offers mentorship from seasoned professionals and the opportunity to shape the European go-to-market strategy for a pioneering deep-tech company. The collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, while the London location provides access to a vibrant tech community and exciting industry events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding European Account Executive, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream job at Sift!
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework on Sift and the role! Understand our platform and how it fits into the engineering landscape. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in what we do. Plus, it’ll make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in technical sales and how it relates to the challenges our customers face. Tailor your stories to highlight your successes in similar roles, especially in complex environments like aerospace or defence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Sift team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something groundbreaking!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding European Account Executive, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Account Executive at Sift. Highlight your experience in technical sales and any relevant achievements that align with our mission to support engineering teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're excited about joining Sift and how your background fits into our vision. Be sure to mention your familiarity with the European hardware and defense landscape!
Showcase Your Technical Acumen:Since we’re all about complex systems, don’t shy away from showcasing your understanding of technical concepts. Use examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully engaged with engineering teams.
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
Make sure you understand Sift's platform and the technical aspects of telemetry analysis. Brush up on key concepts related to engineering systems, as you'll be discussing these with technical stakeholders. Being able to speak their language will help you build credibility.
✨Research the European Market
Familiarise yourself with the hardware and defence landscape in Europe. Understand the challenges that engineering teams face in this region and think about how Sift can address those issues. This knowledge will show your commitment and strategic thinking during the interview.
✨Prepare for Complex Sales Scenarios
Think through potential sales cycles you might encounter at Sift. Be ready to discuss how you would approach technical evaluations and navigate procurement processes. Having specific examples from your past experiences will demonstrate your capability in handling complex deals.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience working cross-functionally with teams like Solutions Engineering and Product. Discuss how you've shared insights to improve strategies in previous roles. This will illustrate your ability to work well within a team and contribute to Sift’s growth.
