Director of Sales

Aperture Optical Sciences (AOS) is seeking a strategic and technically sophisticated Director of Sales to lead revenue growth across our space-based imaging and fusion energy optics markets. Reporting directly to the President/CEO, this executive-level role is responsible for planning and executing both short- and long-range sales strategies while personally engaging in high-value business development activities.As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Sales is expected to embody company values, provide market-driven strategic insight, and lead by example in cultivating a high-performance, customer-focused culture. This individual will oversee the full sales lifecycle—from market visibility and opportunity development through proposal generation, negotiation, and contract award—while building and leading a world-class sales and applications engineering team.
The AOS Sales ProcessSales at AOS is consultative, technical, and solution-driven. It begins with establishing visible industry leadership through trade shows, publications, digital outreach, and strategic engagement. Opportunities are assessed for business viability and technical fit. Converting customer requests into funded programs requires discovery, education, and collaborative solution development.Scope definition includes cost estimation, historical comparative analysis, and competitive positioning. Proposals are comprehensive, addressing deliverables, quality standards, technical performance, and value proposition. Closing activities include follow-up meetings, negotiations, and purchase order execution.The Director of Sales owns and continuously improves this process.
Essential FunctionsStrategic Leadership & Revenue GrowthDevelop and implement strategic marketing and sales plans to achieve corporate revenue, profitability, and market share objectives.Direct sales forecasting activities and establish performance goals aligned with corporate strategy.Achieve targeted profit/loss ratios and market share objectives in alignment with industry and economic conditions.Oversee market research efforts and adjust strategy to evolving competitive landscapes.Monitor competitor products, positioning, and commercial strategies.
Business Development & Customer EngagementSolicit and process customer RFQs; develop scope of work, pricing strategies, and delivery commitments that drive order conversion.Meet directly with key clients to negotiate, close, and expand strategic relationships.Build and nurture executive-level relationships within key space and fusion energy organizations.Establish and maintain relationships with industry influencers, strategic partners, and trade associations.Represent AOS at conferences, trade events, and industry forums.
Proposal & Commercial ExecutionOversee development of compelling proposals addressing technical solutions, quality assurance, schedule, and value.Coordinate customer communications, including project status updates and issue resolution related to quality or commercial terms.Ensure accurate pricing strategies based on cost analysis, competitive intelligence, and historical precedent.Review and analyze sales performance relative to quotes, programs, and forecasts to assess effectiveness.
Marketing & Brand LeadershipDirect advertising and promotional initiatives across print, online, electronic media, and direct outreach.Develop product positioning, pricing strategies, and messaging to maximize long-term market share.Ensure consistent corporate branding across product lines, communications, and events.
Organizational LeadershipBuild, lead, and mentor a high-performing sales and applications engineering team.Direct staffing, training, and performance evaluations within the department.Organize and lead regular sales meetings with representatives and channel partners.
Supervisory ResponsibilityThis role is responsible for building and managing the Sales and Applications Engineering organization, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and strategic direction.
Position Type & TravelFull-time, on-site positionMinimum 40 hours per weekSignificant travel required (domestic and international)Occasional evening and weekend commitments to support customer and business needs
Experience & QualificationsAdvanced degree in a STEM disciplineExtensive experience in the precision optics industry, preferably in aerospace and/or fusion energy sectorsDemonstrated expertise in optics manufacturing and performance specificationsProven record of prior technical publications (conference or journal papers preferred)Experience with CRM platforms such as SalesforceEstablished global network and demonstrated success building long-term strategic customer relationshipsStrong commercial negotiation and contract development experience