Expansion Lead

Overview Skynopy is building next generation of ground infrastructure: highly scalable (already 30+ stations growing soon to more than 100+) and enabling a more efficient link budget thanks to its end-to-end approach and dynamic modulations. We work at the intersection of space, defense, public institutions, and strategic industries, supporting governments and enterprises with infrastructure that matters. Germany is a key strategic market for Skynopy. As we expand, we are looking for an Expansion Lead Germany to build and scale our presence from the ground up. As Expansion Lead Germany, you will act as the founder of the German market. You will: own the go-to-market strategy in Germany and Eastern Europe secure partnerships and grants with governmental, defence, and industrial stakeholders own local technology roadmap and hire an associated engineering team lay the foundations for long-term growth in Germany This role combines strategic leadership, hands-on execution, and deep ecosystem engagement. Responsibilities Your Responsibilities – Build & Scale the German Market Define and execute Skynopy’s go-to-market strategy in Germany Own revenue generation, pipeline development, and long-term market positioning Build the foundations for a scalable German entity (partners, processes, local presence) Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Establish German engineering and commercial office with the support of local partners: ESA BIC, Landers, tech transfer with DLR Build and manage relationships with: German government and defense entities (e.g. Bundeswehr, BAAINBw, DLR, federal agencies) Large industrial and defense primes Strategic commercial and technology partners with legacy and New Space companies Identify, negotiate, and close strategic contracts and partnerships Lead and contribute to RFPs, public tenders, and funding applications Public Sector & Defense Engagement Navigate German and European procurement frameworks Understand institutional decision-making processes and procurement cycles Represent Skynopy at key German and European industry events, conferences, and working groups Strategy & Product Feedback Loop Translate German customer needs into clear product and roadmap inputs Work closely with Skynopy’s product, engineering, and operations teams Ensure local market insights directly inform company-level strategy Hire engineering team to execute the local technical roadmap Internal & Cross-Functional Leadership Act as the single point of ownership for Germany Collaborate closely with central leadership, finance & operations, and technical and ops teams Prepare the ground for future local hiring as the market grows Requirements Must-Haves 7+ years of experience in business development, general management, or strategic partnerships Strong track record in Germany, ideally in: space defense aerospace critical infrastructure deep tech / B2G environments Proven experience navigating: public procurement defense or institutional stakeholders complex, long sales cycles Experience contributing to or leading RFPs and tender responses Fluent German and English (spoken & written) Entrepreneurial mindset: autonomous, structured, decisive, and execution-driven Nice-to-Haves Experience working with: ESA, EC, or European institutions Experience with defense primes or national agencies Experience launching or scaling a market from scratch Background in infrastructure-as-a-service or platform businesses Application Process Step 1: Behavioral Interview (30 minutes) – A short conversation with the Chief of Staff or a team member to get to know you, your background, and how you work with others. Step 2: Technical Home Challenge (~0.5 day of work + 30-minute debrief) – A take-home challenge to complete on your own, followed by a 30-minute review session. Step 3: Live Interview with C-level (30–45 minutes) – Deeper discussion of your home challenge and technical questions. Step 4: Final Interview with the Founders (45 minutes) – Cultural fit, leadership potential, and alignment with our mission. #J-18808-Ljbffr