Head of Commercial & Business Development - US

at  Space Machines Company

COMPANY DETAILS

Space Machines Company (SMC) is a pioneering on-orbit servicing provider, offering “Roadside Assistance, In Space” for commercial and government customers. With a fleet of versatile Optimus Orbital Servicing Vehicles (OSVs), SMC delivers essential services such as on-orbit inspection, monitoring, refuelling, debris management, and satellite life extension. By focusing on space safety and sustainability, SMC is revolutionizing the way we maintain and support human presence in space.

PROFILE

We are looking for a self-starter that can walk with our customer from first contact to start of delivery, mixing expertise, creativity and enthusiasm for what we do, and how we can deliver for each customer’s needs, and growing the SMC profile in the USA.

ROLE

Due to increased global expansion, Space Machines Company is seeking a high-performing Head of Commercial & Business Development - US to join our expanding team. This role will be instrumental in establishing and growing SMC’s presence in the United States market, driving new customer growth across commercial, civilian, and national security organizations. This role will report to the Chief Commercial Officer based in Australia and play a crucial role in shaping SMC’s future in the United States.
Note, we have advertised this role as being in Colorado, though in practice it will be remote and involve extensive travel across the US.

THE ROLE WILL INCLUDE:

• Help establish and grow the SMC USA presence, brand and offering
• Develop and implement the commercial strategy for SMC in the USA market, including commercial, civilian government, and national security sectors, and maintain a robust pipeline
• Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities and potential areas for business expansion across all sectors including identification of key decision makers and their procurement processes
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop tailored solutions to ensure SMC’s offerings align with national space policies and security objectives, as well as government contracting procedures
• Make high-level decisions on major deals, partnerships, and market entries, considering the unique requirements of each sector
• Helping shape the future of the Space Machines Company product and service portfolio, to both meet and exceed what customers will want today and into the future.
• Lead the entire sales cycle with each customer across all sales lifecycles and engagement modes, from initial discussion to creation of offers and responses, to full contract negotiations and execution.
• Engaging with the broader space community, from suppliers, to competitors, to governments
• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with customers, suppliers, partners, and key stakeholders, and Serve as a trusted, respected ambassador for SMC in various forums, from trade conferences to C-suite meetings and government agency briefings
• Working closely with our Marketing and Communications team to deliver aligned and strategic materials and communications, including broad engagement for SMC USA
  We expect you to have a strong knowledge of the space sector, but not necessarily a technical background in it. Preferably, you will have a strong network in the sector in the USA to help you engage quickly from day one. You will be comfortable discussing complex contracting topics and leading negotiations, with strong support from broader functions and leadership within the organisation. You will have significant autonomy as SMC grows in the USA to shape the future direction and offering. There may be follow on opportunity to grow into a Managing Director of Space Machines America and building a high performing team, depending on your experience and performance, and the broader growth of the entity.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Engineering, or related)
• 10+ years of experience in business development or sales within the aerospace industry
• Strong understanding of the commercial satellite market, with a focus on ISAM/OSAM
• Demonstrated ability to identify, initiate, and close significant commercial and government contracts
• Proven experience in dealing with both commercial and government (civilian and national security) organizations in the space sector
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment
• Willingness to travel as needed (20-40%)

Preferred

• Advanced degree in a technical field and/or an MBA
• Experience in entrepreneurship ecosystem building in the space industry
• Familiarity with on orbit ISAM/OSAM, GEO telecom market, micro-GEO trends, GEO/GTO launch services, and cis-lunar commercial applications
• Existing relationships and network within the USA space industry, including government and national security sectors
• Experience in managing complex, long-cycle B2B or B2G sales processes
• Active US government security clearance or ability to obtain one
• Experience with classified programs and handling sensitive information
• Track record of successful contract awards with US government agencies in the space sector