Chief Executive Officer

• Status: Exempt (Administrative, Supervisory, Learned Professional)
• Reports to: Board of Directors of Sodern America

Rate of

• Pay: As Described in Offer Letter
• Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

The Organization: As a globally established organization with a strong history of success abroad, we are expanding into the United States and forming a new division designed for growth, innovation, and long-term impact. Backed by Sodern’s 60+ years of cutting-edge innovation as an internationally recognized space equipment manufacturer and leader in optronic systems including star trackers and space cameras, Sodern America will feature a production line and operations dedicated to the US market to better serve its growing North American customer base and strengthen partnerships across the region. The Position: The CEO of Sodern America will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the U.S. subsidiary, which is being established as a new branch office in Englewood, Colorado. This branch will produce and commercialize satellite equipment. The CEO will lead the company to achieve the business and financial goals set by ArianeGroup and specifically by Sodern, the French entity specializing in the production of optronics for space applications. Essential Functions: Deploy Sodern American capabilities: manage and develop the Sodern America team, focusing on training and motivating employees, follow-up on the site installation with industrial activities. Define and implement a commercial and marketing strategy to develop the U.S. market for optronics for space applications. Commercial targets to be discussed and defined accordingly with Sodern Sales Establish and maintain strategic relationships with clients (>40 customers, start-ups and large groups) and commercial partners Ensure the operational activities within Sodern America, in collaboration with the French Sodern team – Sodern America produces qualified star trackers for US spatial application and is responsible for its customer’s support. Manage the financial aspects of the company, ensuring profitability and growth (P&L). Ensure regular communication with the CEO of Sodern to align actions and results with the group's goals.

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the space industry and the U.S. space ecosystem, share market evolution with Sodern in France to inform the product roadmaps.
• Engage in lobbying efforts to promote Sodern solutions at the institutional and governmental levels in the United States.
• Responsible for Sodern's image in the USA Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Required Skills Proven experience in leading a company, ideally in the aerospace or electronics sector. In-depth knowledge of the U.S. market and optronics for space applications. Strong understanding of the space industry and the ability to navigate the U.S. space ecosystem. Ability to work collaboratively with international teams and manage cross-functional aspects. Excellent leadership and project management skills. Mastery of the financial and commercial aspects of a company. Experience in lobbying and advocacy for technology and space-related solutions. Must be a U.S. citizen to engage in lobbying activities and maintain compliance with U.S. regulations. Language Skills Fluent in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of French is an asset for communication with the French entities of the group.

Experience:

• Proven experience in leading a company, in the Space or Defense sector required Satellite or Space equipment manufacturer experience preferred Education:
• Advanced degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field Working Environment: The Company’s working environment is that associated with an entrepreneurial start up. This environment may expose the CEO to stressful conditions with shifting goals and tight deadlines. At the beginning of the Company formation, while the Company builds out the office space, employees will work from home. When the office is built out, work will be generally performed in an indoor professional office environment in Englewood, CO. Domestic and International travel on behalf of the organization is required. While the Company strives to accomplish much of its work during typical working hours, this position and many other senior positions will require flexibility of scheduled work hours, including early morning, evening, and weekend hours for a variety of meetings and events.

Salary

Summary Salary Range: $275,000 - $325,000 annually plus eligible for performance bonuses. The salary information above is a general guideline. Difference in wages may depend upon a) a seniority system, b) a merit system, c) a system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production, d) the geographic location of the work, e) education, training, or experience, to the extent reasonably related to the work, or f) travel that is regular and necessary for the work. Benefits for all employees are subject to any policy or plan changes, and currently include health, dental and vision insurance, basic life and disability coverage, retirement benefits, as well as additional supplemental benefits, and paid time off. Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and optional cover letter expressing why you are a good candidate for the position. The position will remain open until it is filled. Sodern America is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of all protected activity or status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Organization is dedicated to fulfilling this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment.