Business Development Manager – PIC Packaging (Photonics)
Location: Netherlands (Hybrid / Remote flexibility)
Salary: ~€70,000 base + performance-based bonus
Industry: Photonics / PIC Packaging / Deep Tech
Overview
We are working with a fast-growing photonics company at the forefront of fibre-optic sensing and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging. They are looking to hire a Business Development Manager to drive growth of their PIC packaging services across high-impact sectors including aerospace, defence, and quantum technologies.
This is a hands-on commercial role suited to someone who understands the photonics ecosystem and enjoys engaging in technical discussions-not just relationship management, but actively shaping opportunities from early-stage concept through to contract.
Key Responsibilities
Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities for PIC packaging services across target markets (aerospace, defence, quantum)
Build and manage a high-quality sales pipeline, with a typical conversion cycle of 3-9 months
Engage customers early in the design phase to position the company as a preferred packaging partner (“design-in” approach)
Work closely with sales engineers and PIC packaging engineers to translate customer needs into technical and commercial proposals, including NRE structures
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships across the photonics ecosystem (foundries, designers, integrators, OEMs, and suppliers)
Identify and pursue funding opportunities (EU, ESA, and national programmes), collaborating with the CTO and partners on joint applications
Represent the company at international conferences, trade shows, and industry events (expected attendance every 1-2 months)
Continuously track market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities within photonics and advanced packaging
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- Proven experience in business development or technical sales within photonics
- Hands-on experience closing deals (not just account management)
- Strong understanding of the photonics/PIC ecosystem, including packaging or closely related domains
- Experience selling complex engineering services or solutions
- Ability to engage in technical discussions with engineers and R&D teams
- Track record of building and managing a relevant, high-quality pipeline
- Proactive, self-starting mindset with a scale-up mentality
- Fluent in English
Required / Highly Preferred:
- Experience structuring commercial proposals, including NRE-based projects
- Stakeholder management across customers, partners, and internal engineering teams
- MSc or BSc in Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or similar
- B2B deep-tech sales experience
Beneficial:
- Existing network within the photonics ecosystem
- Experience in aerospace, defence, or quantum markets
- Familiarity with EU funding frameworks / consortia
- Dutch language skills
- German or French language skills
Working Style & Expectations
- Hybrid/remote flexibility, with regular travel to customers and events
- Strong focus on pipeline generation and quality over volume
- Opportunity to make a visible impact in a growing, highly specialised market
- Suited to someone who enjoys technical engagement and building opportunities from scratch
Why Join?
- Work at the cutting edge of PIC packaging and photonics innovation
- Direct influence on commercial strategy and market positioning
- Exposure to high-growth sectors (defence, aerospace, quantum)
- Collaborative, engineering-driven environment with real technical depth
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Veronica Gains