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 Relocators Accepted Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.