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Spire · 2 weeks ago

Director of Space Reconnaissance Business Unit

Boulder, CO

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$171K/yr - $202K/yr

5+ years exp

Spire is a space-to-cloud analytics company that operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. The Director of Space Reconnaissance Business Unit will own the strategy and operational execution for Spire's RF geolocation and intelligence portfolio, overseeing a distributed team and driving advancements in space-based RF capabilities.

AnalyticsBig DataCyber SecurityData IntegrationGovernmentInformation ServicesInformation TechnologyMilitaryNational Security

Responsibilities

Define and execute the Space Reconnaissance business strategy in alignment with Spire’s corporate objectives

Identify new market opportunities across defense, national security, and commercial intelligence sectors in cooperation with the Government Business Development & Sales teams

Build and maintain strong partnerships with government agencies, defense primes, and industry collaborators

Guide long-term R&D investments to sustain competitive differentiation in RF collection and geolocation

Own full P&L responsibility for the Space Reconnaissance business unit

Develop annual budgets, revenue targets, and margin goals; monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions

Evaluate and prioritize capital investments in satellite builds, sensor payloads, and data infrastructure

Drive profitable growth through recurring revenue models and long-term government contracts

Oversee end-to-end operational execution: satellite missions, payload development and data delivery in cooperation with Constellation Planning and Engineering

Ensure system reliability, mission assurance, and data accuracy that meet defense-grade standards

Champion continuous improvement and innovation in data analytics, and automation

Lead the strategic direction and roadmap for Spire’s Space Reconnaissance product offering, ensuring alignment between technology innovation and customer needs

Lead the evolution of multi-intelligence fusion products combining RF and other sensor modalities for advanced insight

Oversee algorithm development, RF performance modeling, and productization of geolocation software pipelines across multiple frequency bands (VHF, UHF, L-band, S/X-band)

Drive AWS stack optimization and secure data delivery through API-first architectures in partnership with cloud engineering teams

Drive customer adoption of new offerings through clear value propositions and operational performance

Serve as the sponsor for key accounts in the defense, intelligence, and government sectors in cooperation with the Government Business Development & Sales Teams

Lead the go-to-market strategy, including pricing, partnerships, and contract negotiations

Support technical sales, proposal development, and customer tasking, with focus on both U.S. and non-U.S. government customers

Ensure exceptional customer satisfaction through reliable delivery and responsive mission support

Represent Spire at industry events and conferences, articulating the company’s leadership in space-based RF intelligence and ISR

Manage and mentor a global team focused on RF signal detection, geolocation algorithms, and spectrum analytics, fostering collaboration between U.S., UK, Canada, and EU offices

Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence in technical and operational execution

Champion cross-unit collaboration within Spire to leverage shared assets and expertise

Ensure product compliance with export controls and uphold best practices in data security and system engineering

Define and track KPIs across financial, operational, and customer success metrics

Report regularly to the COO on unit performance, strategy execution, and market developments

Qualification

RF systemsP&L managementGeospatial intelligenceCross-functional leadershipCloud architecturesAI/ML applicationsDefense sector experienceStrategic communicationCustomer engagementTeam management

Required

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field

5+ years of progressive leadership experience in aerospace, defense, space systems, or intelligence sectors

Proven track record managing a P&L and delivering revenue and margin growth

Deep technical or market understanding of RF systems, SIGINT, space-based sensing, or geospatial intelligence

Prior experience working with defense, intelligence, or national security organizations

Demonstrated ability to grow products from concept to operational deployment in international markets

Proven success in leading cross-functional technical teams and managing complex, distributed programs

Experience with regulated, security-cleared programs (e.g., ITAR, export controls, classified work)

Excellent strategic, analytical, and executive communication skills

Preferred

Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Aerospace, or Business (MBA or equivalent)

Strong relationships with U.S. and allied government/defense organizations

Experience with commercial space ventures or new-space startups

Understanding of AI/ML applications in geospatial intelligence or RF data analytics

Experience with cloud-based architectures (AWS, Azure) and secure data delivery frameworks

International experience working across allied nations' defense and intelligence markets

Benefits

Annual equity awards

Vacation

Sick, and personal time off

Optional medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage

401(K) plan

Health and wellness reimbursement program

Participation in Spire’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)

Launch Attendance

Generous Time Off Policy

Education Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Family Leave

Fitness Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

Company

Spire

Spire (NYSE: SPIR) is a global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, offering unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth so that organizations can make decisions with confidence in a rapidly changing world.

Founded in 2012

San Francisco, California, USA

201-500 employees