Sales Manager
Job details
General information
Entity
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 is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
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.
Reference number
2026-181717
Job details
Domain
Performance and Support
Job field / Job profile
Sales / marketing - Sales administration manager
Job title
Sales Manager
Employment @type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
About IDD Aerospace:
IDD Aerospace is a subsidiary of the Safran Group, an international company with presence in the Puget Sound area and around the United States. IDD Aerospace designs and manufactures light plates, integrated switch panels, and control panel assemblies used on the flight decks of commercial and military aircraft. We are an organization that has a reputation for outstanding leadership, innovation, and expertise. Our employees use their creativity and talent to invent new solutions, meet new demands, and offer the most effective services and products in the industry. IDD Aerospace is a diverse workplace that values active involvement and creativity. We sincerely hope you will take pride in being an important part of IDD Aerospace 's success.
Position Summary
We are 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. Responsible for managing the full sales cycle for assigned accounts; from preplanning to servicing the customer. This position reports to the Regional VP of Sales & Marketing.
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:
Strategic Sales Leadership
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 (30-50%)
Key Account Ownership
Serve as the primary relationship owner for strategic OEM and Tier 1 accounts in the region
Build trusted partnerships across engineering, supply chain, procurement, and executive leadership
Maintain deep knowledge of customer program pipelines, sourcing strategies, and technology roadmaps
Market & Competitive Intelligence
Monitor market trends, competitor positioning, and customer investment priorities
Provide actionable intelligence to leadership to guide growth strategy and investment decisions
But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)
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.
Candidate skills & requirements
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Coordinate closely with engineering, program management, operations, and leadership to support capture and execution success
Champion cross-business opportunities and integrated solution selling
Success Metrics
Pipeline development within first 6-12 months
New specification wins and program captures
Expansion of IDD footprint within key OEM and Tier 1 accounts
Long-term production contract revenue growth
Observes and follows company policies and procedures;
Regular, predictable attendance is required. This is an on-site job position.
Other duties may be assigned.
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:
o Airframe manufacturers
o Engine manufacturers
o Tier 1 system integrators and avionics manufacturers
o 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
Annual salary
$130K - $150K
Job location
Job location
North America, United States, Washington
City (-ies)
18225 NE 76th St WA - 98052 Redmond
Applicant criteria
Minimum education level achieved
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum experience level required
More than 8 years
ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency
Yes
