Director of Sales - Europe

Job description

**At** **[Kepler Communications](https://kepler.space/)****, we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity -** ***we're leading it!*** Our mission is to provide real-time on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With **33 satellites launched to date,** Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. **What sets Kepler apart is our team:** bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact. If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. **Come build the future with Kepler!** **What We Offer:** **- Competitive compensation** designed to recognize 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 EUR annual professional development fund** to support your growth. **- Town Halls, Celebration Calls and Frequent company-wide events** to stay connected and engaged. **- We’re a certified** [**Great Place to Work**](https://www.greatplacetowork.ca/en/certification-menu/certified-organizations-updated#certified-organizations2/view-sub-list-details70/5f3438830d6f2900170827a4/)®, seven years in a row at our Canadian Headquarters. 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, defense and government organizations looking to leverage Kepler’s secure, low latency space network with advanced compute for routing and real-time streaming of mission critical data. This 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 defense applications - Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key stakeholders such as MODs, sovereign space agencies, commercial decision-makers, and procurement organizations - 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 programs - 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, defense, 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 defense sectors - Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, defense 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 defense acquisition frameworks - Ability to communicate credibly with operational and technical leaders ### Bonus Points: - MBA and/or master’s degree in engineering, aerospace, defense studies, or a related field - Background in military operations, defense or service - Relevant security clearances - Prior senior leadership roles at satellite operators, ground segment providers, or defense primes - Exposure to edge computing in space, data center virtualization, or cloud-integrated satellite solutions - Experience with international capture programs, especially within NATO, EU and related mission areas - Understanding of Controlled Goods Program, ITAR/CGP, and national export control frameworks - Strong existing network within the European space and defense ecosystem