About Capella Space
Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions - across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more.
As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. As a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation. Together, we’re on a mission to bring quantum computing to space - unlocking ultra-secure, encrypted uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling powerful on-orbit analytics. This visionary integration of advanced remote sensing and quantum technology will support customers with the highest level of data fidelity, security, and speed.
Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and allied government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists.
What Makes Capella Unique?
At Capella, we don’t just imagine what’s possible - we build it. We’re a mission-driven team fueled by curiosity, grit, and a shared commitment to redefining the limits of space innovation. Our environment is fast paced, rooted in humble collaboration. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and our industry. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossible—we're the place for you. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation. Whether you're new to the space industry or a seasoned expert, you'll find a team that values creativity, integrity, and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SAR—and take quantum to space.
About the Team
Capella’s Business Development team sits at the forefront of our growth strategy, building meaningful relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders across the space and Earth observation sectors. As a key interface between the market and our internal teams, we work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Engineering to shape and deliver impactful solutions that meet evolving customer needs. We're a mission-driven, collaborative group passionate about bringing cutting-edge satellite technology to new markets—and we’re looking for a driven, strategic-minded team member to help expand our reach.
About the Role
Capella is seeking an exceptional Director of Business Development to capture global satellite mission opportunities and revenue.
You will be responsible for developing and capturing new satellite mission sales and satellite integration opportunities across domestic and international D&I, Government and commercial customer segments. 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 a range of clients, organizations and agencies globally. Your contact network will be current, extensive and ripe for leveraging as part of this role.
You will partner with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Engineering teams to drive growth in satellite and constellation sales, with a focus on high-value, consultative engagements. In this role, you will help define and execute strategies to identify, develop, and close complex sales opportunities in a rapidly growing and strategically important area of Capella’s business. Proven experience in successfully managing long-cycle, consultative sales is essential. While knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) or Earth Observation (EO) technology is preferred, relevant experience in the space sector be considered.
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. The candidate will also actively participate in the capture (strategy, proposal writing) and will be accountable for closing of deals. With this role you will be expected to help drive opportunities through to award.
This role will be based in the EMEA region.
Responsibilities
- Create, manage, and own the pursuit and capture plan of new greenfield revenue generation efforts for satellite mission business development and sales throughout APAC.
- Leverage deep industry experience to unlock, nurture and secure new pursuits and over-the-horizon opportunities.
- Lead the development of satellite mission opportunity pipeline throughout the APAC 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 and support government advocacy efforts in close collaboration with the Legal and Contracts teams.
- 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 – become a source of knowledge within Capella’s business.
- Share that knowledge with Engineering, Product and Marketing colleagues and become an advocate of customers’ requirements for incorporation or consideration in Capella’s roadmap.
- Derive meaningful customer insights to fuel the product and sales 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.
- Represent Capella Space at industry events
- Work in partnership with the Capture Manager to develop capture strategies.
- Maintain accuracy within our CRM (Hubspot) 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+ years’ experience in business development/sales ideally within Space/Aerospace.
- Strong understanding of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) and space systems – specifically in remote sensing.
- Strong understanding of satellite (LEO/MEO/GEO) technology, manufacturing and operations.
- Strong and current network of industry contacts, from international Governments to D&I and commercial organizations.
- Experience with developing capture strategies.
- 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.
- We are only able to consider candidates who are legally authorized to work in Europe and/or the Middle East.
Desired
- Experience using CRM preferably Hubspot.
- Experience coordinating proposal and capture efforts preferred
- Be coachable, and willing to coach others in a fast-paced startup environment!
- Fluency in English and Arabic preferred
- Ability to adapt and be flexible to change
- Resourceful and collaborative, with a strong problem-solving mindset.
To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/ and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!
