Sales Manager

Aerospace & Defense Sales Leader

Safran Electronics & Defense Sales & Marketing is seeking a highly experienced Aerospace & Defense sales leader to drive OEM and Tier 1 business growth across the Americas. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic account plans, securing specification positions on major aerospace platforms, and expanding long-term revenue within key customers. The ideal candidate brings an established network across major aerospace and defense companies with an emphasis on airframe and Tier 1 avionics manufacturers, a deep understanding of OEM sales cycles, and a proven record of winning positions on complex engineered systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute regional account strategies to secure specification positions on new and existing aerospace and defense platforms
• Identify and pursue new OEM and Tier 1 opportunities across the Americas
• Lead capture efforts from early design engagement through production contract award
• Drive sustained revenue growth, margin expansion, and long-term contractual positioning

Core Competencies:

• Strategic account management and capture planning
• Complex solution selling to engineering-driven organizations
• Executive communication and negotiation skills
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to translate product value into customer applications
• Ability to lead cross-functional internal teams in support of customer strategies
• Willingness to travel across the Americas (3050%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience winning positions on commercial aircraft, business jets, defense platforms, or space programs
• Familiarity with aerospace qualification processes (AS9100, DO-160, etc.)
• Prior experience working within or selling to major aerospace OEMs

Experience & Background:

• Bachelor's degree required; engineering or technical discipline strongly preferred
• Minimum 5+ years of direct OEM and Tier 1 sales experience within Aerospace & Defense markets
• Demonstrated success selling into: airframe manufacturers, engine manufacturers, Tier 1 system integrators and avionics manufacturers, space and defense primes
• Established relationships across major A&D companies in North and South America
• Proven ability to engage and influence executive, engineering, and procurement stakeholders
• Understanding of OEM sales cycles, qualification processes, and long program lifecycles

Physical Requirements: Office environment. Requires sitting, standing, walking, and use of computer equipment. Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds. Travel required approximately 20-25%, including international. May require coordination with international teams across multiple time zones

Accountability: This position is under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by Title 22 of Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) 120.15 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

EEO Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

Company Information: Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

Locate your future workplace: 18225 NE 76th St WA - 98052 Redmond Washington United States