Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most.

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.

What Makes Capella Unique?

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed. We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech.

About the Role

Capella is seeking an exceptional Director of Business Development to capture ‘Satellite Mission’ opportunities and revenue.

You will be responsible for developing and capturing new satellite mission sales and satellite integration opportunities for the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC). The role requires the ability to enable prime contractors or other teammates in capturing new opportunities, as well as capturing business with Capella as a prime.

You will possess a strong and demonstrable track record of developing and nurturing satellite mission opportunities and sales for the US Government and associated agencies. Your contact network will be current, extensive, and ripe for leveraging as part of this role.

You will work closely with our Sales, Marketing, Product and Engineering teams to explore and define lead and win capture strategies to grow this strategically important and rapidly growing area of Capella’s business. You will ideally possess strong knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology and the wider industry, but in lieu of this you will possess comparable knowledge from the wider EO sector.

Capella’s business development professionals are primarily responsible for top-of-funnel pipeline development which spans inbound and outbound prospecting and responsiveness, client and opportunity nurturing, lead generation campaign engagement, and supporting strategic pursuits deeper into the sales process. With this role you will be expected to help drive opportunities through to contract.

This position is remote and ideally based in the Washington DC metro area or in Colorado.

Role Responsibilities

• Create, manage, and own the pursuit and capture plan of new greenfield revenue generation efforts for satellite mission business development and sales in the US DoD or IC.
• Leverage deep industry experience to unlock, nurture and secure new pursuits and over-the-horizon opportunities.
• Lead the development of satellite mission opportunity pipeline for both near-term (< 2-year time horizon) opportunities and long-term strategic pursuits (>2-year time horizon) and be capable of executing against both simultaneously.
• Lead/support Government advocacy, export and licensing activities.
• Support/lead sales activities deep into the funnel (from deal closure to long-term strategic pursuit, and where necessary in concert with strategic partners), including internal stakeholder review/approval, and proposal writing/submission.
• Help build new strategic partnerships and sub-contracting opportunities.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the satellite mission business landscape and market intelligence in the US – become a source of knowledge within Capella’s business.
• Derive meaningful customer insights to fuel the product roadmap, and keep the company apprised of changing trends, competitive intelligence, and other economic indicators.
• Working in partnership with the Marketing, Product and Engineering teams, provide prospect feedback on positioning and create new lead generation campaigns to drive inbound requests and own the response and qualification process.
• Ability to travel and attend relevant international events and workshops to uncover new insights and enhance Capella’s presence as a thought leader within the industry.
• Maintain accuracy within our CRM (Salesforce) on pursuits and leads and provide monthly revenue forecasting in partnership with regional sales leads as well as key metrics on lead conversion and opportunity qualification.

Qualifications

• 10+ year’s experience in business development/sales ideally within Space/Aerospace.
• Strong understanding of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) and space systems – specifically in the area of remote sensing (ideally with knowledge of SAR and its value proposition).
• Understanding of U.S. Government contract types.
• Understanding of U.S. Government acquisition authorities and processes.
• Strong and current network of Government/industry contacts.
• Experience developing and executing capture strategies.
• Experience coordinating proposal efforts as a prime and as a subcontractor.
• Knowledge and experience with U.S. Government acquisition portals (SAM.gov, ARC, etc.).
• Understanding of small business innovative research (SBIR) programs (Phase I - III).
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, coupled with excellent listening skills. and a positive and energetic presence in front of different stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in an international (and partially remote) team whilst also being comfortable working independently and with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills, with effective time management.
• Extremely self-motivated with a diligent work ethic; ability to perform successfully given low oversight and limited process.
• 100% reliable and detail-oriented. A drive to execute flawlessly.
• Experience using Salesforce.com or comparable CRM.
• Be coachable, and willing to coach others in a fast-paced startup environment!

Required Qualifications

• This position requires an existing Top Secret clearance with SCI access.

Compensation

The total compensation target for this role as it is posted is $162,600- $215,510. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity. Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.

Benefits/Perks

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer up to 100% paid medical coverage, with robust vision and dental plans, comprehensive flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health plans
• Equity
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement planning
• Generous Parental Leave
• Flexible Paid Time Off Policy
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly phone stipend
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens.
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options

Equal Opportunity Statement

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/ and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!