Director of Sales - Europe

Posted 1 month ago• Business & Finance• Operations

Job Description

At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - we're leading it!

Our mission is to provide real-time Internet access for space-based assets, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration 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®, five 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 

Use of AI in Recruitment

At Kepler Communications, all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI-based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job-relevant criteria. These tools support - but do not replace - human judgment.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Kepler Communications is an equal opportunities employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at [email protected], and we will work with you to meet your needs.