Application Guide
How to Apply for Account Executive, Defence & Intelligence, France
at Planet
🏢 About Planet
Planet operates the world's largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, providing daily global coverage that enables unprecedented monitoring of our planet. Unlike traditional satellite companies, Planet offers near-real-time, high-frequency data through a SaaS model, empowering governments and organizations with actionable intelligence. Their mission-driven focus on 'impactful stewardship' makes them uniquely positioned at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and meaningful environmental and security applications.
About This Role
As an Account Executive for Defence & Intelligence in France, you'll be responsible for driving sales of Planet's satellite data solutions to French government agencies, particularly the Ministère des Armées and related defense entities. This role involves navigating complex government procurement cycles, building strategic relationships within the French defense ecosystem, and collaborating with solution engineers to tailor Earth-observation data for national security applications. Your success directly contributes to enhancing France's intelligence capabilities through timely geospatial insights.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day typically starts by reviewing intelligence priorities or news that might drive demand for satellite imagery, then engaging with contacts in French defense agencies to understand emerging needs. You'll spend significant time navigating procurement documentation, collaborating with solution engineers to design tailored offerings, and negotiating contract terms that meet both customer requirements and Planet's commercial objectives. Much of your work involves relationship-building—whether with existing defense partners, new prospects, or internal teams—to advance deals through France's methodical government sales cycles.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For
- Has 6+ years of SaaS/software sales experience with a proven track record of closing deals in the French government sector, specifically with defense or intelligence agencies
- Possesses deep existing relationships within Ministère des Armées, Armées Françaises, and relevant defense partners, with demonstrated ability to navigate French government procurement processes
- Understands how satellite imagery and geospatial data can address intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) needs within defense contexts
- Can articulate technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders while working closely with engineering teams to design customized offerings
📝 Tips for Applying to Planet
Explicitly quantify your government sales achievements in France—mention specific agencies, deal sizes, and procurement cycles you've successfully navigated
Highlight any experience with geospatial, satellite, or remote sensing technologies, even if tangential, to show understanding of Planet's core product
Demonstrate knowledge of France's current defense priorities and how daily satellite imagery could support them (e.g., border monitoring, infrastructure protection)
Mention specific contacts or relationships within French defense agencies, emphasizing your ability to leverage existing networks
Tailor your resume to show both your SaaS sales expertise and your deep understanding of French government sales nuances—avoid generic sales language
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience selling to French defense/intelligence agencies, with examples of navigating complex procurement processes', "How your existing relationships within Ministère des Armées and partner ecosystems can accelerate Planet's market penetration", 'Your understanding of how daily satellite imagery addresses current French defense and intelligence challenges', "Why Planet's mission of 'impactful stewardship' resonates with you personally and professionally in the defense context"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Planet's specific satellite constellations (Dove, SkySat) and their capabilities relevant to defense applications
- → France's current defense white paper or strategic priorities where geospatial intelligence plays a role
- → Planet's existing public-sector customers and case studies, particularly any in European defense
- → The competitive landscape of commercial satellite imagery providers serving defense clients
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with a generic SaaS sales resume that doesn't highlight specific French government/defense experience
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of the long sales cycles and unique procurement processes in French defense contracting
- Overlooking the technical aspect of the role—candidates who don't show ability to collaborate with engineering teams on solution design
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!