Business Development Lead

About Ephemeris Net
We are extending the internet to space.

Ephemeris Net is a pre-seed space networking company on a mission to provide space connectivity for all through collaborative engineering of commercial space networking solutions. We are creating the infrastructure that will enable the space internet beyond bent pipe—starting with foundational networking infrastructure that will define how data moves through space.

We are supported by our parent incubator SOE, preparing to launch our first payload that will demonstrate a space-based router in Q While our work will be incremental, we believe that now is the chance to build foundational infrastructure for how the internet will work in space within the next 5 years.

*The role *
We're seeking a Business Development Lead who can build Ephemeris Net's revenue engine across both government and commercial markets. This person will develop and execute sales strategies that connect Ephemeris Net's space networking capabilities with the needs of government agencies, spacecraft operators, and telecom companies.

You'll be our first full-time business development hire, reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with engineering and strategy leadership. You will build relationships across the Department of Defense and civil space ecosystems in Washington DC while also engaging commercial customers in the broader telecom and space industries.

This role is for a builder who can wear multiple hats: sales leader, deal maker, market analyst, partnership architect, and policy translator. You'll shape how Ephemeris Net interfaces with the outside world—turning technical capabilities into mission-aligned programs, contracts, and strategic alliances.

Key Responsibilities
*Government Sales & Partnerships *

• Lead business development and capture activities for U.S. government customers (DoD, USSF, NASA, NRO, NOAA, DARPA, SDA).
• Identify, qualify, and pursue contract and grant opportunities aligned with Ephemeris Net's space networking roadmap.
• Develop proposals and responses for BAAs, STTR/SBIR calls, and program solicitations.
• Build relationships within the national security space and federal research communities.
• Work with engineering to translate program requirements into technical deliverables and value propositions.

*Commercial Sales & Partnership Development *

• Lead commercial sales to spacecraft operators, satellite manufacturers, and telecom companies seeking space-based connectivity solutions.
• Develop pricing and go-to-market strategies for Ephemeris Net's networking and peering services.
• Identify potential anchor customers for on-orbit and ground-based connectivity offerings.
• Negotiate strategic partnerships with telecom carriers, cloud providers, and ground station operators.
• Define joint commercial pilots and service demonstrations leveraging our 2027 demo mission.

*Strategic Market Development *

• Analyze market trends in space telecom, defense communications, and inter-satellite networking.
• Build Ephemeris Net's competitive intelligence function—mapping the ecosystem of space networking players and constellations.
• Develop customer personas and market segments to prioritize sales efforts and product features.
• Partner with the strategy team to define commercial models for peering, bandwidth leasing, and security services.

*Customer & Investor Engagement *

• Represent Ephemeris Net at industry conferences and technical forums in the space and telecom communities.
• Work with executives to develop customer pitches and partnership materials.
• Support fundraising activities by providing market validation and pipeline data.
• Translate customer feedback into product and mission roadmap updates.

Minimum Qualifications
*What we're looking for *

• Bachelor's degree in technical field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of technical project or program management experience
• 4+ years of experience working hands-on with hardware technical projects
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with government, NASA, or commercial space programs
• Experience working with launch vehicles, spacecraft, networking systems or optical communication systems
• Direct experience managing supplier relationships and deliverables
• Master scheduling experience
• Active security clearance
• Experience with cross-functional teams and external customer interfaces

What Makes You Successful Here

• Systems thinker: You see how protocols, business models, orbital mechanics, and customer needs interconnect. You design solutions that work across these domains.
• Builder mentality: You're comfortable going from whiteboard concepts to working code and hardware implementations. You can prototype quickly to test ideas.
• Research-oriented: You engage with academic literature, attend conferences, and collaborate with researchers—but you also ship production systems.
• Clear communicator: You can explain complex networking concepts to non-technical stakeholders and translate business requirements into technical designs.
• Collaborative: You work effectively with hardware engineers, software developers, and business stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Ownership mentality: You do what's best for the company. When you identify a problem, you solve it—even if it's outside your immediate scope.
• Receptive to feedback: You actively seek constructive criticism and use it to improve your designs and approach.

What We Offer
*Compensation & Benefits *

• Salary: $160,000 - $250,000, based on experience
• Generous equity package (early hire equity)
• Comprehensive health care coverage
• 401k program
• Unlimited PTO (we expect you to take at least 4 weeks per year, and leadership does the same)

*Work Environment *

• Hybrid work model: 3 days per week in our office/lab based on project needs
• Expected travel: Up to 20% (customer meetings, supplier visits, launch campaign, partner sites)
• Small team environment
• Autonomy and space to define how we work and execute

*The Opportunity *

• First business development hire: Define how Ephemeris Net goes to market and interfaces with the government and commercial ecosystems.
• Shape strategy: Inform pricing, contracts, and partnership models for space network services.
• Direct impact: Your efforts will bring our space internet to its first customers.
• Cross-domain exposure: Work at the intersection of aerospace, telecom, and defense—where policy meets engineering and commerce.

*Our Vision and Values *
Ephemeris Net's vision is to enable an open space-based internet that anyone can utilize and access.

We believe that access to better digital connectivity is essential for human progress and that space is the frontier of digital connectivity. We believe that collaboration within market competition is the most effective way to expand the internet into space. Using Ephemeris Net to build space network solutions is how we can proliferate digital connectivity, collaboration, and 'the raising of all boats' while achieving a commercial impact.

We Care Deeply About

• Access to connectivity for all
• Collaboration that raises all boats; we avoid win/lose deals
• Commercial impact: building solutions people value and buy
• Personal growth and creating a place where people build their careers
• Putting good out into the world through the work we do and our interactions with each other

We're building a company people feel great about working at. We're seeking people who are open and actively seeking growth—both technical and personal. We value honesty, creativity, and a culture of ownership.

*About Our Locations
El Segundo, CA *
: Located in the heart of the aerospace industry, surrounded by SpaceX, Aerospace Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and hundreds of space startups. A unique ecosystem where strangers on the street are excited about space.

*Berkeley, CA *
: Home to world-class research institutions and a thriving tech community. Close collaboration opportunities with UC Berkeley and the broader Bay Area networking and space research communities.

Ephemeris Net is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The Pay Range For This Role Is
170, ,000 USD per year(US)