Principal Account Manager

Building better and safer isn’t a slogan, but the way we show up in the world. It’s how we make sure technology speaks not only in code, but with meaning: better technologies, better ways of working, and more inclusive communities. We align with what matters for people and for the planet, actively nurturing it to be better and safer. At the centre, it’s our people who power everything we do. Their talent, drive and different ways of thinking keep us moving forward, pushing the limits of what’s possible.

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Account Manager for Defence market to join our team. In this role, you will act as the key domain technical advisor and account manager for PT armed forces focused opportunities, supporting our Business Development team. You will discuss the concepts of operations and identify user requirements for future systems, supporting the systems’ definition and guide its implementation by our execution teams, to deliver projects with the maximum
- value for the client. This is a senior role requiring deep technical expertise in defence systems (with focus on Naval domain), as well as strong business acumen to influence and guide stakeholders across the sales cycle.

Responsibilities

• Pre‑Sales & Business Development: support sales teams in the defence market, driving customer engagement at a technical level. Lead technical discussions with clients, articulating complex solutions to both technical and business audiences. Identify and develop strategic alliances to complement our offering, enhancing differentiation, time‑to‑market and value creation.
• Solution Design & Business Proposals: develop solution architectures and technical proposals, engage with OEMs, technology providers, and channel partners to design technical solutions tailored for the Armed Forces / Mo
  D, ensuring compliance with international standards, regulations and military requirements.
• Delivery Support: act as a trusted advisor to project teams, ensuring technical quality and alignment with proposed solutions providing technical oversight during project execution. Participate in strategic projects for customer engagement and technical validation.
• Knowledge Sharing & Solution Reuse: foster the sharing and reuse of proven solutions across aerospace and defence projects and promote continuous improvement in technical methodologies.
• Driving Innovation: stay updated with latest defence industry developments by attending sector events, monitoring trends, and incorporating new insights into our approach.

Qualifications

• Strong customer orientation and ability to build long‑term client relationships.
• Proven expertise in systems and solutions for the defence domain (Naval domain is a plus).
• Excellent problem‑solving and solution design skills.
• Strong presentation, communication, and technical writing abilities.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities to guide both sales and delivery teams.
• Ability to work with autonomy and decision‑making responsibility in high‑stakes environments.
• 10+ years of experience in defence systems engineering.
• Proven experience in pre‑sales engineering, solution design, and technical leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to support both sales activities and project delivery.
• Engineering degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Strategic and tactical thinking.
• Fluency in English (other languages are a plus).

Benefits

• Work that fits your life, not the other way around.
• Offices designed to make you feel like you belong.
• A team that knows how to work hard, but also how to have fun.
• Pay that makes you feel valued, plus performance‑based rewards.
• Your growth is our priority: training, support, and opportunities!

Perks

• Private Health Insurance – because your health and peace of mind matters.
• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential support for you and your household from mental health to legal or financial advice.
• Home Office Support – get what you need to work comfortably from home.
• Extra Holidays – the longer you’re with us, the more you get.
• Extra Parental Leave – two additional months of fully paid leave for both parents.
• Flex‑time – work when it makes sense for you, as long as it works for your team and goals.
• Gradual Return to Work Support – we’ll help you ease back in with a plan that fits your pace and needs.
• Away From Keyboard – Sabbatical programme for long‑term employees.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Sales and Business Development

Now, the real question is: are you ready to join us and help make the world a better and safer place?

Critical Software is proud to be a Benefit Corporation. A Benefit Corporation differs from a standard corporation (C‑Corporation): it is a for‑profit business entity, legally defined in the US and other jurisdictions, whose legally defined goals include the positive impact on society, workers, the community and the environment, in addition to profit.

We are an equal‑opportunity workplace and committed to allow candidates with disabilities or neurodevelopmental conditions to prove their competencies to their full potential. We are willing to move the barriers that may prevent you from demonstrating that you are the right candidate for this role, so please let us know if you need some adjustment in your recruitment process.

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