Job Description:
Business Development Manager – Photonics / Advanced Packaging
Location: Amsterdam (Hybrid / Remote flexibility)
Salary: ~€70,000 base + performance-based bonus
Industry: Photonics / Deep Tech
Overview
We are supporting a growing deep-tech company operating within the photonics and advanced packaging space. They are looking to hire a Business Development Manager to drive commercial growth of their packaging and integration capabilities across high-impact sectors.
This is a hands-on commercial role suited to someone who understands the photonics ecosystem and is comfortable engaging in technical discussions, focusing on developing opportunities from early-stage concept through to contract.
Key Responsibilities
* Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities across target markets (e.g. high-tech, aerospace, defence, emerging technologies)
* Build and manage a high-quality sales pipeline, with typical conversion cycles of 3–9 months
* Engage customers early in the design phase to position the company as a preferred development partner
* Work closely with engineering teams to translate customer requirements into technical and commercial proposals
* Develop and maintain strategic partnerships across the broader photonics and semiconductor ecosystem
* Identify and support participation in collaborative R&D and funded programmes (EU and national)
* Represent the company at international conferences, trade shows, and industry events
* Track market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities
Candidate Profile
Essential:
* Proven experience in business development or technical sales within photonics or a related deep-tech field
* Track record of closing deals (not purely account management)
* Understanding of photonics, semiconductor, or advanced engineering ecosystems
* Experience selling complex engineering services or solutions
* Ability to engage with technical stakeholders (engineering / R&D)
* Strong pipeline management experience
* Proactive, self-starting mindset
* Fluent in English
Preferred:
* Experience with structured commercial proposals (e.g. development-led projects)
* Stakeholder management across customers, partners, and technical teams
* Degree in Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or similar
* B2B deep-tech sales experience
Beneficial:
* Existing network within photonics or semiconductor ecosystems
* Exposure to regulated or high-performance industries (e.g. aerospace, defence, etc.)
* Familiarity with collaborative R&D environments or funded programmes
* Additional European language skills
Working Style & Expectations
* Hybrid/remote flexibility with regular travel
* Focus on quality pipeline generation over volume
* High level of autonomy and ownership
* Opportunity to contribute to growth in a specialised technical market
Why Join?
* Work within a cutting-edge deep-tech environment
* Influence commercial direction and market growth
* Exposure to advanced engineering applications across multiple industries
* Collaborative, technically driven culture
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Job Requirements:
Opportunity for a Business Development Manager to join a fast-growing deep-tech company working at the cutting edge of photonics and advanced engineering. Ideal for someone who enjoys technical sales,
