Solutions Architect - DoD & IC, Kepler US
Kepler Communications
IT
Sterling, VA, USA
Posted on Mar 20, 2025
Kepler is on an audacious mission to deliver Internet connectivity to space, creating the infrastructure to support the rapidly increasing data needs of the space economy. With 23 satellites launched to date and our optical constellation on the horizon, our ambition is to improve access to space-generated data, whether in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond! Kepler is hard at work innovating and continuing to grow and expand our most important asset – the Team!
Kepler Communications US is seeking a Solutions Architect to partner with the Business Development team, engage with customers to understand their mission needs, and develop solutions for them. Working under the Technical Director of Kepler US, the Solutions Architect will be the customer-facing technical point of contact to the DoD and Intelligence community.
As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team of experts, you will also participate in the strategic development of Kepler offerings, customer relationships, and strategic vision – laser-focused on the Kepler vision of putting the internet in space.
The ideal candidate has experience working with government and commercial customers, an existing network of relevant industry contacts, and a solid understanding of government and commercial drivers of success in the space sector. The candidate can readily synthesize technical requirements from the customer and marry them with the capabilities of the Kepler Optical Relay Network and Space Systems product line.
The role is ideal for a driven aerospace professional, with technical expertise in architecting satellite systems and solutions and a deep understanding of RF and optical communications, looking to advance their career within a fast-growing company at the cutting edge of space systems and optical communications technology.
Day-to-day Activities:
- Support customer meetings and provide architectural guidance and technical recommendations to promote the Kepler offering.
- Create and deliver customer-facing presentations and white papers to shape future requirements.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including chief engineers, research scientists, program managers, contracting officers, and prime contractors.
- Collaborate with the Kepler Engineering and Business Development teams to design and define solutions that meet customer requirements.
Product & Operations:
- Guide strategic product road maps and internal research & development to achieve product market fit.
- Help maintain and update Salesforce account and opportunity information.
Proposal Development:
- Lead technical writing of proposals and responses to requests for information and other customer inquiries.
- Conduct black hat reviews of competitors to guide the capture strategy; stay abreast of industry trends and disruptors.
Travel and Marketing:
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and government meetings.
- Travel approximately 25-30% of the time, mostly domestic with some international travel.
- Support the Public Relations team on their press releases, marketing materials, and social media accounts.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in satellite communications, preferably including experience in optical communications.
- At least 5 years’ experience in business development capture support in the space or defense sectors.
- Previous responsibility for writing customer-facing technical communications, preferably in aerospace technical sales.
- Familiarity with commercial and US Government aerospace procurement and proposal processes.
- Must be a US citizen with active US Department of Defense TS/SCI clearance.
- Able to regularly report into the Sterling, VA office.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with Sales Force, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Bonus Points:
- Master's degree or PhD in a STEM field.
- Experience selling to the Space Force, NRO, SDA, DIU, Navy, Army etc..s.
- Experience in the New Space industry.
Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: Women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.
As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.
