Director Of Business Development, Satellite Missions

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 Role

Capella is seeking an exceptional Director of Business Development to capture new 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 network of contacts will be both current and extensive, offering immediate value and strategic leverage in this role.

You will work closely with our Customer Engagement, 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. 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 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 data as a servic sales in the U.S. Government with primary focus on the 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) 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 industry 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+ years' experience in business development/sales ideally within Space/Aerospace.
• Strong understanding of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) and space systems - specifically in remote sensing.
• 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.).
• 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 remote team environment 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.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
• This role requires approx 15% travel both domestic and internationally.

Required Qualifications

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

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $161,348 - $224,221. 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 provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Generous Parental Leave
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly Phone Stipend
• 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!