Director Of Business Development, Mission Solutions

Director of Business Development, Mission Solutions

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.

About the Role

Capella is seeking an exceptional Director of Business Development to join our Mission Solutions team and lead the identification and capture of new opportunities. In this role, you will drive satellite mission sales and integration opportunities across the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC). You will be responsible for enabling prime contractors and the Mission Solutions team to secure new programs, while also directly capturing business opportunities with Capella as the prime.

You bring a strong and proven track record in developing and advancing satellite mission opportunities and sales for the U.S. Government and its agencies. Your extensive and current network of contacts will deliver immediate impact and strategic advantage in this role. You will collaborate closely with Capella's Customer Engagement, Marketing, Product, and Engineering teams to shape and execute lead and capture strategies that expand this strategically vital and rapidly growing part of our business. Success in this role requires demonstrated experience managing complex, long-cycle, consultative sales.

Capella's business development directors 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. You will partner with the capture team including strategy and 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 requires an existing Top-Secret clearance with SCI access. The role may be based Louisville, Colorado or the Washington DC metro.

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 service 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) opportunities and long-term strategic pursuits (>2-year time horizon) and be capable of executing against both simultaneously.
• Lead/support Government advocacy, export and licensing activities.
• Lead/support 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in business development/sales ideally within Space/Aerospace.
• Strong understanding of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) and space systems - remote sensing knowledge preferred.
• Deep understanding of U.S. Government contract types, acquisition authorities, and procurement processes.
• Established, current, and trusted network of Government and industry contacts, offering immediate strategic value.
• Proven experience developing and executing successful capture strategies for complex U.S. Government programs.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Highly self-motivated with a strong work ethic and the ability to excel with minimal oversight in fast-paced, unstructured environments.
• Consistently reliable, detail-oriented, and driven to deliver flawless execution.
• This role requires approx 15% travel both domestic and internationally.
• This position requires an existing Top-Secret clearance with SCI access.
• 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.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $161,348 - $201,658. 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.
• Parental Leave Program
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• 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