Sr. Partnerships Manager (Starlink Commercial Aviation)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Sr. Partnerships Manager to drive Starlink’s adoption in commercial aviation. Located in Austin, TX, the role is crucial for closing partnership deals and collaborating across teams to enhance connectivity for airlines. The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree and substantial experience in business development or sales, supported by a proven track record in achieving revenue goals. This position emphasizes relationships with airlines and technology suppliers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in business development, partnerships, corporate strategy or sales.
• Strong deal or sales track record with the ability to meet or exceed revenue targets.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of successfully closing partnership deals.
• Lead pricing, commercial strategy, and negotiations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional groups.
• Manage execution of contracts and agreements.
• Support pipeline and forecasting efforts.

Skills

Business development

Partnerships

Sales

Analytical skills

Project ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business discipline

Job description

Bastrop, TX

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER (STARLINK COMMERCIAL AVIATION)

The Starlink Aviation Partnerships team is hiring a local, results-driven Sr. Partnerships Manager to support Starlink’s adoption in commercial aircraft worldwide. Starlink brings an unprecedented opportunity to significantly impact the way we connect the 4 billion people per year who fly on aircraft. The role requires personal drive to help the commercial aviation industry realize the potential that a fleet of aircraft connected with a 1Gbps+ pipe enables, develop the necessary relationships, maximize internal and external outcomes, and ultimately sign high-value deals that will have an immediate impact.

We are partnering with airlines, content providers, technology companies, and commercial aviation suppliers to rethink the realities of aircraft with connectivity that is as good or better than terrestrial connections. We’re seeking conscientious, creative, commercial experts to help change the commercial aviation industry. This is a rare opportunity to create change and apply your world‑class skills on the world’s leading aviation connectivity team.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of successfully closing partnership deals between SpaceX and partners
• Be a key player on a global partnerships team, including leading pricing, commercial strategy, business discussions, and negotiations
• Report directly to the Global Head of Starlink Aviation
• Collaborate with cross‑functional groups (engineering, regulatory, business, etc.)
• Assist with the development of commercial, marketing, and business terms and materials, while staying up to date with internal technology, regulatory, and business teams
• Perform deep customer discovery and disseminate feedback with the engineering team to inform features, product direction, and roadmap
• Manage and own execution of contracts and agreements between customers
• Support pipeline and forecasting efforts that inform strategy and planning
• Synthesize complex information and make actionable recommendations to the leadership team
• Collaborate on development of materials including playbooks, handbooks, product documentation, whitepapers, case studies, marketing material, presentations, etc.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or business discipline and 5+ years of professional experience in business development, partnerships, corporate strategy or sales; OR 10+ years of professional experience in business development, partnerships, corporate strategy or sales in lieu of a degree

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Prior experience in commercializing and/or monetizing networks or closed user groups
• Independently motivated self‑starter, with a demonstrated track record of project ownership
• Strong commercial deal or sales track record with the ability to consistently meet or exceed revenue targets in sales to aviation customers
• Strong analytical skills in business and technical issues
• Highly detail‑oriented, diligent, and hard‑working with excellent customer interface skills
• Sufficient knowledge of Starlink’s network infrastructure to communicate with customers
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams and external customers

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time to customer locations and other SpaceX locations
• This position is based in Austin, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].