Business Development Manager, Commercial
Solestial
Company Overview
Solestial
Tempe, AZ, United States
2013
Approximately 1,100 employees (source: asu.edu). Revenue figures are not disclosed as it is a private company (source: solestial.com).
What They Do
Solestial specializes in silicon photovoltaics engineered specifically for space applications, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened solar cells, modules, and arrays designed for satellites and spacecraft (source: solestial.com). Their core technology features ultrathin, flexible silicon heterojunction solar cells that achieve efficiencies of up to 20%, with a Generation 2 product expected to be available in 2026 (source: solestial.com). These innovative cells are capable of self-annealing radiation damage at operating temperatures as low as 65°C, a significant advancement over traditional silicon cells that typically degrade in high-radiation environments (source: satnow.com). Solestial's product offerings include individual solar cells, flexible solar power modules, and complete solar arrays, all designed to meet the needs of various satellite constellations and missions (source: solestial.com). Their target markets encompass commercial satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO), smallsats, CubeSats, and even lunar settlements, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional III-V multijunction cells (source: satnow.com).
Projects & Track Record
While Solestial has not yet completed any fully operational flight projects, they have secured over $7 million in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from notable organizations such as NASA and the National Science Foundation (source: satnow.com). Recently, they were awarded a $1.2 million Direct-to-Phase II SpaceWERX contract to develop a rapidly manufacturable 1 kW solar array wing for U.S. Space Force small satellites, showcasing their innovative approach to solar technology (source: satnow.com). Ongoing projects include scaling their second-generation solar cells for flight deployments by late 2025, with production ramping to 1 MW/year through a partnership with Meyer Burger (source: solestial.com). Their key clients include EnduroSat AD, with whom they have a sales agreement for radiation-hardened modules on satellites launching in 2026, and DCUBED, with whom they debuted a new solar array product at the Space Tech Expo (source: solestial.com).
Recent Developments
In October 2025, Solestial announced a significant sales agreement with EnduroSat AD to supply radiation-hardened silicon solar power modules for next-generation satellites set to launch in 2026 (source: solestial.com). Earlier, in August 2024, they entered into a strategic manufacturing partnership with Meyer Burger, aiming to scale production to over 1 MW/year of ultra-thin cells and modules by mid-2025 (source: solestial.com). Additionally, Solestial received a $1.2 million SpaceWERX Direct-to-Phase II contract for a 1 kW smallsat solar array wing, further solidifying their position in the space solar market (source: satnow.com). The company also achieved a significant milestone when the CEA validated their low-temperature radiation-curing technology, confirming its effectiveness in self-recovery at operating temperatures (source: solestial.com).
Working There
Solestial is focused on fostering innovation-driven growth, particularly in roles related to manufacturing, research and development, engineering, and operations to support the rapid scaling of solar cell and module production at their Tempe facility (source: solestial.com). The company is actively hiring for positions at their headquarters and the newly opened Warner manufacturing plant, with a focus on mass-producing thin wafers, cell metallization, and module integration (source: solestial.com). Departments likely include solar cell engineering, module assembly, quality testing, and business development, reflecting their roots in advanced research from Arizona State University (source: asu.edu). The company culture is characterized by a dynamic growth environment and a relentless pursuit of innovation, with team members sharing a passion for solar technology and collaboration with customers (source: solestial.com). While specific benefits are not detailed in available sources, the careers section invites individuals passionate about space solar innovation to join their team (source: solestial.com).
Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 | Report an issue
Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar technologies optimized for the harsh conditions of space. Our innovative, low-cost, and scalable solar arrays are engineered for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure. We are driven by a mission to power the space economy and unlock limitless opportunities in orbit and beyond.
As our Business Development Manager, Commercial, you'll be the owner of commercial sales activities and a key contributor as Solestial continues to scale. You will lead prospecting, qualification and proposals for new business with inbound and outbound sales activities to build the commercial backlog and drive strategic partnerships that position Solestial for success in the expanding commercial market. This is a hands-on role, collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, engineering, product, and leadership - and perfect for someone who loves driving results and making a large impact.
Your Mission
- Own commercial sales strategy in conjunction with VP of Product, Programs & Sales
- Build and sustain long-term direct relationships with key commercial customer stakeholders
- Quarterback cross-functional proposal efforts, working with product and engineering to deliver robust and competitive proposals on time
- Achieve Commercial Sales targets, aligned to business strategy and growth objectives
- Collaborate with government sales and marketing teams on a unified Go To Market strategy
- Represent Solestial at industry events, conferences, trade shows, and on-site meetings with existing commercial customers and prospects
- Communicate capture progress, pipeline health, and key risks to executive leadership through email, meetings, and regular updating of CRM
- Identify, negotiate, and manage strategic partnerships and teaming agreements that enhance competitiveness
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree with a preference for a STEM background
- 8+ years of experience in space or aerospace sales or business development
- Knowledge of commercial satellite and space infrastructure market, strategy and key participants
- Existing network of relationships with satellite bus providers
- Experience with all phases of the sales funnel from prospecting and lead generation to negotiations and contracting
- Strong experience with proposal development and business capture
- Proficiency with Hubspot or similar CRM tool
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to travel up to 50% (domestic and international)
- Bonus: Knowledge of solar power generation or satellite power system technologies and competitive landscape
Our Benefits
- Competitive compensation - we want you to grow with us
- Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
- 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year's end
- 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
- Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
- Your work will literally go to space!
Apply now
Job expired?Please let Solestial know you found this job on Rejobs. This will help us grow and get more people to work on renewable energy!
Apply now
Job expired?Please let Solestial know you found this job on Rejobs. This will help us grow and get more people to work on renewable energy!
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About the role
May 7, 2026
Full time
Company
- Tempe, Arizona, United States
8+ years in space or aerospace sales or business development
UTC-07:00
