Director of Sales, Space-based Optics
Location: Los Angeles, CA (Remote possible for exceptional candidates)
About the role
Reports To: Vice President of Global Sales
Observable Space is a United States' vertically integrated, full-stack space technology company advancing laser communications, ground-based optical sensing, and in-space systems. Our world-class optical and software solutions power the work of leading global customers—from government and defense, cutting-edge research institutions, and prime contractors to advance our understanding of the universe. We’re a fast-growing, high-performance team passionate about building the future of space observation—and we’re looking for a proven sales professional to help us grow and scale our global operations to new heights and into the stars.
Role Description
Observable Space is seeking a strategic and execution-oriented Director of Sales to lead commercial and government growth for our space-based optical solutions, both domestically and internationally. This role will drive revenue generation across government, defense, commercial aerospace, and emerging space markets by developing and building customer relationships, go-to-market strategies, and translating advanced optical sensing capabilities into mission-critical customer value. The ideal candidate combines an innovative approach and experience in strategic sales, capture management, and relationship development; based on a deep understanding of company objectives and roadmap.
- Develop and manage a qualified pipeline across government, defense, intelligence, civil space, and commercial sectors.
- Build and manage strategic accounts, partnerships, and sales opportunities within the space-based optical market.
- Identify new market opportunities for optical payloads, space domain awareness, remote sensing, and related capabilities.
- Leverage these relationships to qualify and close revenue opportunities within the defense and commercial space sectors.
- Manage the client journey from early technical discussions through contract negotiation and award.
- Collaborate across the organization, to include engineering, marketing, communication, and production to ensure market requirements align with product roadmaps, messaging, and future product development.
- Collaborate with organizational leadership to ensure pricing strategy, negotiations, and subsequent contract development aligns with Observable Space objectives.
- Work within the existing sales team to increase sales and product placement for the full portfolio of Observable Space solutions.
What You Will Do
- Collaboratively develop and execute the global sales strategy for space-based optical solutions business.
- Develop and manage a qualified pipeline across government, defense, intelligence, civil space, and commercial sectors.
- Build and manage strategic accounts, partnerships, and sales opportunities within the space-based optical market.
- Identify new market opportunities for optical payloads, space domain awareness, remote sensing, and related capabilities.
- Leverage these relationships to qualify and close revenue opportunities within the defense and commercial space sectors.
- Manage the client journey from early technical discussions through contract negotiation and award.
- Collaborate across the organization, to include engineering, marketing, communication, and production to ensure market requirements align with product roadmaps, messaging, and future product development.
- Collaborate with organizational leadership to ensure pricing strategy, negotiations, and subsequent contract development aligns with Observable Space objectives.
- Work within the existing sales team to increase sales and product placement for the full portfolio of Observable Space solutions.
What You Bring
- A self-motivated and self-driven approach to sales strategy and execution.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Aerospace, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of sales experience in aerospace, defense technology, or related high-technology industries.
- Proven track record of closing complex, high-value enterprise or government contracts.
- Experience selling advanced technical solutions into U.S. Government, DoD, IC, commercial space, or international markets.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully manage strategic sales cycles and high-value strategic accounts.
- Experience with U.S. government procurement processes, defense programs, and prime contractor ecosystems.
- Proven experience in developing technical requirements and concepts into effective value propositions.
- Experience leading cross-functional capture and proposal efforts.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with the space industry or Space Domain Awareness architectures.
- Familiarity with government and commercial aerospace.
- Background in both hardware and software-enabled communications platforms.
- Experience scaling within growing sales organizations in emerging technology markets.
- Join a team building the next generation of space communications infrastructure.
- You will help shape how data moves across space, enabling resilient connectivity for national security, scientific discovery, and commercial innovation.
- This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of aerospace technology with a mission-driven team transforming the future of orbital communications.
- A front-row seat at one of the most exciting companies in space technology.
- The opportunity to build and scale a global operations organization from the ground up.
- A collaborative culture that rewards initiative, curiosity, and results.
- Competitive compensation, stock options, and benefits that reflect our growth and ambition.