Founding European Account Executive, London at Siftstack

Sift is building the infrastructure that modern engineering teams rely on to design, test, and operate complex machines. Our platform provides real-time observability for high-frequency telemetry, enabling engineers to debug complex systems faster, identify failures earlier, and operate safely in environments where reliability is mission-critical. Sift was founded by engineers who worked on some of the most ambitious aerospace programs in history — including Dragon, Falcon, Starlink, and Starship at SpaceX. Those programs exposed the limits of existing tools for telemetry analysis, system debugging, and mission-critical validation. Sift was built to solve those challenges and is now supporting teams building advanced systems across aerospace, defense, robotics, energy, and industrial manufacturing. We are expanding our go-to-market presence across Europe and are hiring an Account Executive based in London to help build and grow Sift’s customer base in the region. This role is ideal for an experienced sales professional proficient in highly technical sales, familiarity with the European hardware / defense landscape, and interest in kickstarting a new sales region for a high growth startup. THE ROLE As an Account Executive at Sift, you will own complex sales cycles with engineering and technical teams building some of the most advanced systems in the world. You will work closely with the existing sales and technical teams to identify new opportunities, guide customers through technical evaluations, and close deals that deliver measurable engineering value. This role involves working with technical stakeholders such as engineering leaders, systems engineers, and program managers, while also aligning executive buyers around commercial outcomes. The role is based in London, with travel across Europe for customer meetings, industry events, and technical evaluations when required. RESPONSIBILITIES Drive New Customer Acquisition - Identify and develop new opportunities with engineering-driven organisations across Europe - Prospect into target accounts and build relationships with technical and executive stakeholders - Develop account strategies and manage a pipeline of qualified opportunities Run Technical Sales Cycles - Lead discovery conversations to understand system architecture, telemetry workflows, and engineering challenges - Partner with solutions engineering and product teams to guide technical evaluations and pilots - Define success criteria and drive evaluations toward clear business outcomes Close High-Value Deals - Manage opportunities from initial conversation through contract signature - Align technical validation with commercial decision-making - Navigate procurement, legal, and security processes typical in enterprise and government-adjacent environments Collaborate Cross-Functionally - Work closely with Solutions Engineering, Product, and Customer Success teams - Share insights from the field to improve product positioning and sales strategy Help Develop Sift’s European Playbook - Be the lead point of contact for Sift in the EMEA market - Work with leadership to identify the best expansion strategy for the team - Help interview and hire as the team expands Maintain Forecast Accuracy - Maintain disciplined pipeline management and forecasting - Clearly communicate deal progress, risks, and next steps to leadership WHAT YOU’LL GAIN - Experience selling a highly technical product to advanced engineering teams - Exposure to complex enterprise sales cycles - Opportunity to help shape the European go-to-market strategy for a fast-growing deep-tech company - Close mentorship from experienced enterprise sellers and technical teams - Exposure to customers building cutting-edge systems in aerospace, defense, robotics, and industrial technology WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO - Is based in London or able to work from London - Has 6-10+ years of experience in a quota-carrying sales role - Has experience selling technical or complex products (SaaS, engineering software, or infrastructure platforms) in complex organizations - Is comfortable engaging technical stakeholders such as engineers and architects - Demonstrates strong curiosity and the ability to learn complex technical concepts quickly - Has a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets - Communicates clearly and confidently with both technical and executive audiences - Thrives in early-stage environments where processes are still evolving - Is highly motivated and willing to invest the effort required to succeed in complex enterprise sales Location: This role is based onsite in London, United Kingdom and will require travel and work within the EU. Compensation: Base salary £75,000–£110,000 (GBP) per year, plus commission, equity, and benefits.