Venture Optical Management Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Location: Preferably Europe

Reports To: Vice President of Global Sales

At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products. From advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.

Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures.

Observable Space is seeking a strategic and execution-oriented International Sales Director to lead business development and revenue growth initiatives across key international markets. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of the space and defense sectors, experience navigating complex procurement processes, and a strong network spanning government agencies, prime contractors, and commercial operators.

This role will focus on driving revenue growth across government, defense, commercial aerospace, and emerging space markets through the development of customer relationships, strategic partnerships, and effective go-to-market initiatives.

This individual will work cross-functionally with leadership, product, operations, engineering, and manufacturing teams to identify opportunities, develop capture strategies, and close high-value contracts and partnerships. The role requires a balance of strategic sales experience, operational execution, and customer engagement in a fast-moving, dynamic environment.

• Lead international sales strategy and execution for government, defense, intelligence, and commercial space markets
• Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities with governments, space operators, and strategic industry partners
• Build and maintain senior-level international relationships within the aerospace and defense ecosystem
• Develop account strategies, pipeline forecasts, and capture plans for complex multi-stakeholder opportunities
• Influence and coordinate responses to RFPs, tenders, and procurement activities in collaboration with Observable Space objectives
• Represent Observable Space at industry conferences, customer meetings, and trade events
• Partner with executive leadership on market-entry strategy, channel partnerships, and international growth initiatives
• Provide market intelligence and customer feedback to influence product roadmap and strategic positioning
• Spearhead the process of commercial agreements and support contract execution through award

• 10+ years of experience in international aerospace, defense, satellite, or space technology sales and business development
• Proven track record of closing complex international commercial or government contracts
• Deep understanding of international procurement processes and defense/space acquisition environments
• Established network across space agencies, defense ministries, primes, and commercial operators
• Experience managing complex sales cycles and multi-party stakeholder engagements
• Ability to communicate complex technical solutions to executive, operational, and technical audiences
• Strong strategic sales and contract planning, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Self-starter mentality with the ability to operate independently in a high-growth environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with the space industry or Space Domain Awareness architectures.
• Existing relationships with organizations such as international Space Agencies, governments, or major defense integrators
• Prior experience working in a high-growth space technology company
• Experience building regional go-to-market strategy from early-stage market entry through scale

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