PreSales Sr. Solutions Architect - Middle East Defense and Intelligence

Planet Labs PBC; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 293,000 - 404,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space and data company is seeking a Pre‑Sales Solutions Architect based in the United Arab Emirates. This remote position involves demonstrating the value of earth observation data, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and providing tailored solutions for clients in the MENA region. Candidates should have at least 6 years of experience in the Defense sector and be prepared for international travel. Competitive benefits include paid time off and wellness programs.

Benefits

Paid time off including vacation and holidays

Employee Wellness Program

Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning

Home Office Reimbursement

Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in supporting the Defense community within the Middle East region.
• Experience working with GIS and Remote Sensing users within the Defense industry.
• Availability to travel internationally up to 50%, primarily around the MENA region.

Responsibilities

• Build and deliver presentations and product demonstrations.
• Act as an advisor to recommend a solutions architecture fitting clients' challenges.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assist with RFP and RFI preparation.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Professional working proficiency in English

Excellent problem-solving skills

Ability to lead customer engagements

Ability to multitask and prioritize

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Python

Job description

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud‑based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a people‑centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role

As a Pre‑Sales Solutions Architect, you'll demonstrate the value of Planet's data and services to help organizations within the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) overcome their earth data challenges. You'll also collaborate with internal cross‑functional teams, including Customer Success, Product Management, and Business Development, to act as the voice of the customer and enhance Planet's industry offerings.

The ideal candidate is passionate about earth observation and enjoys helping customers get the most out of their work. This role will appeal to candidates who don’t mind frequent international travel (primarily around MENA) and are comfortable working in the defense and intelligence sector.

This is a full‑time, remote position based in the United Arab Emirates. The role requires frequent international travel up to 50%. If located near an office, you are expected to work from that office 3 days per week.

Impact You’ll Own

• Build and deliver presentations and product demonstrations highlighting technical capabilities of Planet’s platform and our ability to fulfill customer’s business needs.
• Create relationships with customers’ technical and management staff as a trusted advisor to their business.
• Act as an advisor to the customer to recommend a solutions architecture that fits their business challenges.
• Assist with the response to tenders, RFI’s and RFP’s proposals with respect to product/solution information.
• Work with your sales team colleagues to determine account development plans and execute a strategy to engage customers and prospects.
• Collaborate with internal cross‑functional teams including Customer Success, Product Management, and Business Development to act as the voice of the customer, assist with RFP and RFI preparation and submissions.
• Attain quarterly and annual sales and operational objectives assigned by management.
• Represent Planet’s Defense and Intelligence needs to Sales leadership, in communicating forecasts, pipeline opportunities, deal reviews, data in CRM tools, and customer feedback.
• Ability to present to key executive Government stakeholders within the MENA Region.
• Act as a mentor to team members and lead training to drive their development.

What You Bring

• Ability to undergo appropriate security vetting for meeting with regional customers.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in supporting the Defense community within the Middle East region.
• Availability to travel internationally up to 50%, primarily around the MENA region, but also to Europe and the United States.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional working proficiency in English, the language of the company.
• Experience working with GIS and Remote Sensing users within the Defense industry.
• Experience in IMINT, ISR, and related fields.
• Experience with QGIS, SocetGXP, ArcGIS, GDAL and other common geospatial software packages.
• Ability to successfully communicate and coordinate with international customers & sales team.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and proactive working style.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Ability to program with Python to process imagery, manipulate vector data, interact with APIs and build data pipelines.
• Ability to lead customer engagements.
• Ability to run workshops or training sessions with users.

Application Deadline

February 2nd, 2026. 23:59pm

Benefits While Working at Planet

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays and company‑wide days off.
• Employee Wellness Program.
• Home Office Reimbursement.
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement.
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Equity.
• Volunteering Paid Time Off.

Why we care so much about Belonging

We’re dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging—dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work. If this job intrigues you, but you’re thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please do apply! At Planet, we are looking for well‑rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description. We don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts.

EEO Statement

Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Know Your Rights.

Accommodations

Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

Privacy Policy

By clicking 'Apply Now' at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

AI in Our Interviewing Process

Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. With the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a Planet AI Notetaker for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real‑time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.