Business Developer Defense - 100%

Tethys Robotics; Schweiz; On-site; EUR 95,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Tethys Robotics is seeking a driven professional to scale our underwater robotics business in the defence sector. You will leverage your existing network to open doors with primes, NATO-affiliated bodies, and procuring organizations, shaping go-to-market and partnership strategies with the team.

You will craft tailored proposals with engineering and business teams, navigate complex procurement processes, and drive high-stakes customer engagement in international contexts.

Qualifications

• Existing connections between key buyers and decision-makers at defence primes and procuring organizations such as NATO member states or comparable entities.
• >5 years of proven customer-facing experience in consulting, project management, in B2B sales or similar roles with technologically sophisticated products.
• Background in project management or technical consulting is strongly preferred; must navigate complex procurement processes.
• Proven experience presenting and explaining complex, technically demanding products to non-expert decision-makers in high-stakes environments.
• Excellent communication and networking skills, strong negotiation abilities, intercultural competence, and a convincing personality.

Responsibilities

• Co-develop go-to-market and partner strategies with the biz team and management (e.g. resellers, agencies, distributors).
• Develop tailored proposals in close collaboration with our engineering and biz team.

Skills

Networking

Business Development

Project Management

Technical Consulting

Communication

Negotiation

Multicultural Competence

Travel Readiness

Driver's License

Tools

HubSpot

Job description

Tethys Robotics develops innovative robotic solutions for subsea inspection & investigation operations in challenging conditions. We serve clients such as governmental organizations, large asset operators and industrial service providers operating in high-demand and mission-critical environments.

As an ETH Zürich spin-off, we are a fast-growing pioneer in underwater robotics, rooted in Switzerland. Backed by strong funding and entering an exciting phase of international growth, we are looking for a driven and entrepreneurial person to help scale Tethys Robotics.

Tasks

We are looking for a well-connected professional with deep roots in the defence ecosystem, someone who combines relationship capital with project management discipline and genuine enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology.

Your Contribution

You will open doors in the defense sector: Your professional network in this industry will finally generate qualified leads for our business.

If you have the network, the drive, and the ability to navigate complex procurement environments, we would love to hear from you.

• Co-develop go-to-market and partner strategies together with the biz team and management (e.g. resellers, agencies, distributors).
• Develop tailored proposals in close collaboration with our engineering and biz team

Requirements

• Existing connections between key buyers and decision-makers at defence primes and procuring organizations such as NATO member states, or comparable entities
• >5 years of proven customer-facing experience in consulting, project management, in B2B sales or similar roles, with technologically sophisticated products; a deep defence sector network and genuine market knowledge are essential – this is not a pure sales role
• Background in project management or technical consulting is strongly preferred; the role demands sector fluency and the ability to navigate complex procurement processes, not just sales skills
• Proven experience presenting and explaining complex, technically demanding products to non-expert decision-makers in high-stakes environments
• Excellent communication and networking skills, strong negotiation abilities, and intercultural competence, convincing personality with a talent for winning people over
• Persistent, structured and comfortable owning your outcomes
• Caring, curious and coachable, committed to continuous improvements
• Fluent in professional English, both written and spoken; any other language is a strong advantage
• Flexibility and ability for spontaneous national and international business travels in the field of the customers (up to 50% travel time during intensive times, regulary approx. 25%)
• Driver's license is mandatory

And finally: Joy and ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up team and motivation to work in challenging outdoor conditions!

Bonus points if you bring:

• Sales experience in defense, maritime, robotics or offshore industries
• Experience in professionally managing sales pipelines and CRM processes, preferably in HubSpot
• Fluent in professional German

Benefits

• A key role in one of Europe’s most ambitious underwater robotics startups
• A dynamic, high-performance team with a strong builder mentality and flat hierarchies
• Real ownership, fast decision-making, and the opportunity to shape both the company and your own role as we scale
• Frequent international travel, field demonstrations, and trade shows
• A modern office in the Zurich area, close to both the city and the lake

We value diversity:

Tethys Robotics encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all are respected.

Curious? So are we!

We look forward to receiving your online application as we value the attitude over experience. In any case, please provide a full overview of the following documents – we value the completeness:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of reference / work certificates
• Education certificates

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Please note: We only accept applications via the online portal.