Business Development Manager - Cortex & Antenna

Safran DSI Business Unit: Space Solutions

ABOUT OUR MISSION:

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry. 

Safran DSI Space Solutions specializes in comprehensive satellite ground stations and modems, on-board radio communications for small satellite platforms, space optics, space propulsion systems, as well as solutions for space domain awareness (SDA) and surveillance, reconnaissance and tracking (SRT).

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space. 

POSITION PROFILE:

Safran DSI is establishing U.S.-based build and repair capabilities for its CORTEX family of modems, which are currently produced in France. We are seeking a business development manager with a technical background to help with new business opportunities from the ground up and become a subject matter expert on CORTEX CRT and HDR modem products.

This role includes travel to France for training on CORTEX modem fundamentals, hardware and software configurations. Upon completion of training, the candidate will support business development activity efforts in the U.S., bridging technical capabilities with DoD/IC requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, including experience with C++ coding, the ability to learn new technologies quickly, and expertise in collaborating within a multinational environment. The candidate should also have experience in agile development, working with technical solution providers, and presenting solutions to technical end-users based on customer requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• US product owner for the CORTEX product line, act as a solutions architect to solve complex customer challenges.
• Spearhead the technical approach and implementation of configuration solutions for CORTEX products to meet customer specifications. Ability to develop and lead technical requirements based on customer feedback.
• Act as the customer interface for product repair. Meet customer satisfaction expectations for product delivery.
• Take lead in next generation CORTEX product development specifications. Work with sales teams to design to evolving market need.
• Meet KPIs and delivery/quality metrics.
• Develop a deep product understanding and positive relationship with French engineering counterparts
• Ability to work with an international team (ex: US, France, Germany and India)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Master’s degree in computer science or electrical/computer engineering or related STEM discipline (i.e. Aerospace Engineering). Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of coding experience is also acceptable
• Academic/professional background in Telecommunication, Digital Signal Processing, Cybersecurity, Computer Systems and Software
• Software development (C++, C#, web, TCP/IP stack…)
• Operating systems (Windows, Linux), IT security
• Telecommunication, signal processing, modulation & coding techniques
• Strong communication / writing skills are required. Position acts as a liaison with factory engineers, leadership, as well as customer engineers and business development teams.
• Understand the business development process, including proposal development for customer systems.
• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering and systems architecture sales.
• Deep intellectual curiosity for learning new technology and mastering tasks in a short period of time.
• Ability to articulate solvable problems to design teams in advance of customer needs.
• A passion for aerospace technology. Experience with cloud and new-space industry specific to Low-Earth Orbit operations and modems is a plus.
• Must be a US Citizen as the position requires the ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance if needed on future responsibilities

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Active DoD Security Clearance
• Experience with Safran or Zodiac products is a plus
• Demonstrated experience in satellite operations environments, agile development and system architecture is a plus
• Conversational French

TRAVEL: <25% There will be little overnight travel outside the local area

Salary Range: $95,000-$115,000 annual salary

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.