Talent.com
Director of Space Reconnaissance Business Unit
Director of Space Reconnaissance Business UnitSpire • Washington, DC, US
Director of Space Reconnaissance Business Unit

Director of Space Reconnaissance Business Unit

Spire • Washington, DC, US
4 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Spire's Space Reconnaissance business unit delivers radio frequency (RF) intelligence, and geolocation from one of the largest multi-payload satellite constellations in orbit. We enable governments and commercial partners to detect, and understand RF activity globally, supporting missions in defense, intelligence, and security.

Job Description :

As Director of Space Reconnaissance Business Unit, you will own the strategy, financials, product vision, technical roadmap, and operational strategy for Spire's global RF geolocation and intelligence portfolio. You will oversee a distributed team spanning product management, engineering, data science, and solutions delivery across the U.S. and Rest of World, ensuring cohesive execution across both U.S. and non-U.S. product lines.

This role is central to advancing Spire's next-generation space-based RF capabilities and shaping how persistent global signal intelligence is delivered to mission partners worldwide.

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic Leadership

  • 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.

Financial Management

  • 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.
  • Operational and Technical Leadership

  • 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.
  • Product & Portfolio Management

  • 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.
  • Business Development & Customer Engagement

  • 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.
  • People & Culture

  • Manage and mentor a global team focused on RF signal detection, geolocation algorithms, and spectrum analytics, fostering collaboration between U.S., UK, Canda, 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.
  • Risk, Security & Compliance

  • Ensure product compliance with export controls and uphold best practices in data security and system engineering.
  • Performance & Reporting

  • Define and track KPIs across financial, operational, and customer success metrics.
  • Report regularly to the COO on unit performance, strategy execution, and market developments.
  • Qualifications

    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
  • Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

    Access to US export-controlled software and / or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-DC1

    The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Final base salary for this role will be based on the location, skills, experience and qualifications. In addition to base compensation, this role may be eligible for annual equity awards and our employee benefits program, including vacation, sick, and personal time off; optional medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; a 401(K) plan; health and wellness reimbursement program; and participation in Spire's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

    Salary Range

    $171,000—$202,500 USD

    Global Perks

    🛰️ 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

    About Spire

    We improve life on Earth with data from space.

    Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire's data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24 / 7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.

    Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

    To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.

    Please take a moment to review Spire's Global Data Privacy Notice for Employees, Contractors, Candidates and Visitors, as well as Spire's Privacy Policy.

    Kindly be advised that communication regarding your application may come from @spire.com, @recruiting.spire.com, or from Candidate.fyi (our scheduling tool).

    Create a job alert for this search

    Director Unit • Washington, DC, US

    Related jobs
    Sr. Director Business Development Space Enabled Multi-Domain Operations Mission Growth (TS / SCI)

    Sr. Director Business Development Space Enabled Multi-Domain Operations Mission Growth (TS / SCI)

    Maryland Staffing • Linthicum Heights, MD, US
    Full-time
    Director Business Development, Space-Enabled Multi-Domain Operations Mission Growth Lead.At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impac...Show more
    Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
    Director of Organizational Assessment and Accreditation

    Director of Organizational Assessment and Accreditation

    InsideHigherEd • Frederick, Maryland, United States
    Full-time +1
    Director of Organizational Assessment and Accreditation.The Director of Organizational Assessment and Accreditation leads the development, coordination, and continuous improvement of assessment str...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Associate Director of Risk Management

    Associate Director of Risk Management

    InsideHigherEd • Bowie, Maryland, United States
    Full-time
    JR101457 Associate Director of Risk Management (Open).The Associate Director of Risk Management will lead the development and implementation of Bowie State University's Enterprise Risk Management (...Show more
    Last updated: 4 days ago • Promoted
    I&C, Engineer

    I&C, Engineer

    Constellation Energy • Benedict, MD, US
    Full-time
    As the nation's largest producer of clean, carbon-free energy, Constellation is focused on our purpose : accelerating the transition to a carbon-free future. We have been the leader in clean ener...Show more
    Last updated: 2 days ago • Promoted
    Director, Development

    Director, Development

    American Red Cross • Baltimore, MD, United States
    Full-time
    Please use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when accessing Candidate Home.By joining the American Red Cross you will touch millions of lives every year and experience the greatness of the human spi...Show more
    Last updated: 5 days ago • Promoted
    Director Energy & Engineering (Johns Hopkins Facilities & Real Estate)

    Director Energy & Engineering (Johns Hopkins Facilities & Real Estate)

    InsideHigherEd • Baltimore, Maryland, United States
    Full-time
    Reporting directly to the Senior Director for Facility Operations, we are seeking a.Director for Energy & Engineering (DEE). Homewood campus utility plants, engineering design efforts related to the...Show more
    Last updated: 5 days ago • Promoted
    Director of Residence Life

    Director of Residence Life

    InsideHigherEd • Bowie, Maryland, United States
    Full-time
    JR101449 Director of Residence Life (Open).The Residence Life program at Bowie State University serves the needs of approximately 1700 residents. We are committed to supporting the academic mission ...Show more
    Last updated: 8 days ago • Promoted
    Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator

    Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator

    Northrop Grumman • Patuxent, MD, US
    Full-time
    RELOCATION ASSISTANCE : No relocation assistance available.At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the wo...Show more
    Last updated: 23 days ago • Promoted
    Sr. Director Business Development Intelligence Systems Mission Growth (TS / SCI)

    Sr. Director Business Development Intelligence Systems Mission Growth (TS / SCI)

    Northrop Grumman • McLean, VA, US
    Full-time
    RELOCATION ASSISTANCE : Relocation assistance may be available.At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around th...Show more
    Last updated: 4 days ago • Promoted
    Business Development Director, USSF

    Business Development Director, USSF

    EVONA • Washington, DC, United States
    Full-time
    Be among the first 25 applicants.Are you ready to influence the future of space-based intelligence for national defense? We’re working with a cutting-edge Earth Observation organization supporting ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Associate Director of Real Estate Development and Infrastructure

    Associate Director of Real Estate Development and Infrastructure

    InsideHigherEd • Bowie, Maryland, United States
    Full-time
    JR101238 Associate Director of Real Estate Development and Infrastructure (Open).Oversee real estate development and overall campus infrastructure growth focusing on the MLK, Jr.Center to ensure th...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Senior Director Business Development

    Senior Director Business Development

    Leonardo DRS • Germantown, MD, United States
    Full-time
    DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer o...Show more
    Last updated: 5 days ago • Promoted
    Deputy Director, Infrastructure Operations (#1883)

    Deputy Director, Infrastructure Operations (#1883)

    BNBI • Fort Detrick, MD, United States
    Temporary
    The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility located on Fort Detrick in Frederick MD and is dedicated to defending the nation against biological t...Show more
    Last updated: 7 days ago • Promoted
    Sr. Director Business Development Space Enabled Multi-Domain Operations Mission Growth (TS / SCI)

    Sr. Director Business Development Space Enabled Multi-Domain Operations Mission Growth (TS / SCI)

    Northrop Grumman • McLean, VA, US
    Full-time
    RELOCATION ASSISTANCE : Relocation assistance may be available.At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around th...Show more
    Last updated: 4 days ago • Promoted
    Director of Development Operations

    Director of Development Operations

    InsideHigherEd • Bowie, Maryland, United States
    Permanent
    JR101300 Director of Development Operations (Open).Bowie State University seeks a dynamic and experienced Director of Development Operations to lead enterprise application development, data integra...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Director, Infrastructure

    Director, Infrastructure

    Legal & General America • Frederick, MD, United States
    Permanent
    At Legal & General America, we aim to make a positive difference in the lives of our customers, partners, colleagues, and the communities in which they live. As a recognized market leader of term li...Show more
    Last updated: 29 days ago • Promoted
    Capture Director - Defense Division

    Capture Director - Defense Division

    Calibre Systems • Alexandria, Virginia, US
    Full-time
    Mission Focused and Digital Transformation company is looking for a Capture Director to support our Defense Division.The position will be based at our headquarters in Alexandria, VA.In this role, t...Show more
    Last updated: 22 days ago • Promoted
    Director, Special Projects, NA

    Director, Special Projects, NA

    Vantage Data Centers • Ashburn, VA, United States
    Full-time
    Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America,...Show more
    Last updated: 14 days ago • Promoted