Head of Defence Sales

Dawn Aerospace builds reusable, high-cadence space transportation systems. Since 2021, we have delivered non-toxic, refuellable propulsion systems to customers globally, with hardware now operating on over 50 spacecraft. Concurrently, our rocket-powered spaceplanes are actively breaking aviation records and being delivered to government programs across the USA and Europe.  

We have achieved these goals through a culture of relentless innovation and a drive to deliver results for our customers, while expanding the value we all get from space. 

The Role 

To support our expansion in Germany, we are establishing a presence in Dusseldorf or Bremen and are seeking a talented Head of Defence Sale in Germany to lead this strategic initiative. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical insight with strategic commercial leadership in one of the most exciting and fast-growing sectors of the space industry. 

This role reports to the Chief Revenue Office, based in Delft, The Netherlands.  

Key Responsibilities 

Regional Business Development 

• Own the commercial rollout for Dawn Aerospace in Germany and be accountable for signed contract value, pipeline quality, and long-term market position.  

• Engage directly with prospective customers and industry partners to understand their challenges and identify where Dawn can deliver value. Identify, qualify, and prioritize opportunities in commercial, national security, and research sectors.  

• Understand and articulate the technical capabilities of the Dawn products. Translate customer needs into technically viable and cost-effective mission or vehicle acquisition proposals.  

• Activate and expand senior-level relationships across major government programs, prime contractors, and research institutions.  

• Lead complex, multi-stakeholder deal cycles involving high-volume component and services sales, and sovereign capability development.  

Strategic Growth 

• Establish Dawn Aerospace as a recognized capability within German national security, civil, and research agencies.  

• Identify and establish strategic operating locations, partners, and facilities for sovereign operations.  

• Drive negotiation of commercial, technical, and governance terms alongside legal, engineering, and operations teams.  

• Feed regional market intelligence directly into Dawn Aerospace’s global product road map and fleet-expansion strategy.  

Requirements 

• 10-15 years of experience in business development, sales, or mission management in aerospace, aviation, deep-tech, or a closely related sector.  

• Ability to obtain and maintain a German national security clearance (Ü2/Ü3)

• Established Network with major stakeholders, including Rheinmetall, OHB, DEU SpCmd, BAAINBw and DLR 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills with a customer-first mindset  

• Proven track record leading complex, long-cycle programmes involving government, institutional, or prime contractor stakeholders.  

• University degree in management, business, or a related field. 

• In-depth knowledge of local regulations. 

• Ability to work independently and make strategic decisions. 

• Fluency in German and English (written and spoken). 

Preferred Skills 

• Experience working directly with customers in aerospace research, defense, or government space agencies.  

• An existing or past security clearance in Germany or other NATO country

• Background working with primes, Tier-1 suppliers, or sovereign capability programmes.  

• A strong understanding of general aerospace principles such as flight mechanics, mission planning, and project lifecycles.  

• Familiarity with HubSpot, or similar CRM suite.  

• Ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally  

• Experience in leadership roles. 

What We Offer 

• A senior role establishing a new category of scalable and sustainable space transportation, focused on delivering solutions to empower German and European strength and resilience.  

• A fast-paced, collaborative team environment with a shared vision for the future of space access.  

• This role offers a competitive executive compensation package, including participation in Dawn Aerospace’s equity incentive plan. This is a unique opportunity to join a high-growth space startup at an early stage and share in the creation of substantial long-term value, with equity structured to reflect the seniority, responsibility, and market-building impact of the role.