Senior Solutions Architect II, Pre-Sales, Middle East and North Africa
About this role
Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history to deliver empirical information via a cloud-based platform to commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. As a Senior Solutions Architect II in Pre-Sales for the Middle East and North Africa region, the individual will demonstrate the value of imaging solutions to help regional organizations overcome earth data challenges. Responsibilities include engaging with customers in the government and commercial sectors, managing technical proposals, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like Product Management and Business Development.
The ideal candidate brings extensive background in Earth Observation within the MENA region, handles frequent international travel up to 50 percent, and is fluent in Arabic with professional working proficiency in English. Success in the role requires consultative selling expertise, strong communication skills for interacting with executive government stakeholders, and technical proficiency in geospatial software packages and Python programming.
What you will do
- Uncover customer pain points and business needs through consultative techniques within current or intended processes.
- Build and deliver presentations and solution demonstrations that highlight the technical capabilities and business value of the platform.
- Form solid relationships with customer technical and management staff to serve as a trusted advisor.
- Assist with responses to tenders, RFIs, and RFPs regarding product and solution information.
- Collaborate with sales team colleagues to determine account development plans and execute customer engagement strategies.
- Communicate forecasts, pipeline opportunities, deal reviews, and customer feedback to sales leadership.
- Act as a mentor to team members and lead training sessions to drive professional development.
What you need
- Have 10 plus years of experience working with governments and commercial industry communities in Earth Observation within the Middle East region.
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in a related field.
- Maintain the ability to travel internationally up to 50 percent of the time, primarily around the MENA region, Europe, and the United States.
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Possess fluency in Arabic and professional working proficiency in English.
- Bring experience working with GIS, Remote Sensing, IMINT, ISR, and related fields.
- Show the ability to program with Python to process imagery, manipulate vector data, interact with APIs, and build data pipelines.
Nice to have
- Experience writing technical proposals for government tenders
- Experience of value based solution selling and or consulting selling techniques
Benefits
- Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and company-wide days off
- Employee Wellness Program
- Home Office Reimbursement
- Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
- Equity
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote work policy for this role?
This is a full-time, remote position based in the United Arab Emirates that requires frequent international travel up to 50 percent. If located near an office, employees are expected to work from that office 3 days per week.
What travel expectations come with this position?
The role requires frequent international travel up to 50 percent of the time, primarily around the MENA region, but also to Europe and the United States.
What language skills are necessary for applicants?
Candidates must have fluency in Arabic and professional working proficiency in English, which is the language of the company.