Director Business Development (m/f/d) EMEA & APAC - Optronics & Avionics

Excelitas Technologies Corp.; Thalhamm; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Excelitas Technologies Corp. is seeking a highly motivated Business Development Director to drive growth in the Optronics and Avionics sectors.

You will lead strategy, partnerships, and customer engagement across aerospace, defense, and commercial aviation markets, working with cross‑functional teams to align offerings with market needs. The role requires 10+ years in BD, strong electro‑optical knowledge, and fluency in German and English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in business development, sales, or program management within optronics/avionics/defense/aerospace.
• Strong understanding of electro‑optic sensors and aerospace procurement processes.
• Proven track record in winning contracts, securing partnerships, and driving revenue growth.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Business‑fluent German and English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to travel internationally and domestically as required.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities in aerospace, defense, and commercial aviation markets.
• Deploy EMEA/APAC strategy aligned with divisional objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with OEMs, defense contractors, avionics integrators, and government agencies.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and customer needs in optronics and avionics.
• Develop and implement sales strategies and go‑to‑market plans to achieve revenue targets.
• Lead proposal development, contract negotiations, and closing of deals.
• Forge strategic alliances with technology providers, research institutions, and industry partners.
• Collaborate with engineering, product development, and marketing to align offerings with market needs.
• Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and industry events to enhance visibility.

Skills

German (business fluent)

English (business fluent)

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business or related field

Job description

Job Description

ENABLE your future through light.

Excelitas is a global technology leader, focused on delivering market-driven solutions to fulfill the illumination, optical, detection and imaging needs of OEMs and end-users across the biomedical, semiconductor, industrial, consumer products, scientific, security and aerospace sectors.

ENGAGE with us today and make your contribution to the future! Join the team that leading technology companies turn to for cutting‑edge photonic innovation. At Excelitas Technologies you are how we EXCEL.

At our Excelitas site in Feldkirchen, we develop and produce highly complex optomechatronic components, assemblies and systems.

Our stated goal is to provide our customers and the end users of our products with the technological prerequisites and the edge they need to achieve long‑term success in their respective markets and applications.

Our solutions lead, for example, to better medical treatment and more accurate diagnostics, further developments in the market for smartphones and display technology, reliable and robust solutions in the aerospace sector, and the development of completely new applications and areas of application.

In addition, the site is the centre of excellence for high‑precision mechanics, the assembly of highly specialised components and diamond turning.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and results‑driven Business Development Director to drive growth and expand market presence in the Optronics and Avionics sector. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of cutting‑edge avionics, electro‑optical systems, and defense/aerospace applications, with a strong background in sales, strategic partnerships, and customer engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Shopify = Sales

• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities in aerospace, defense, and commercial aviation markets.
• Deploy EMEA/APAC strategy aligned with divisional objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with OEMs, defense contractors, avionics integrators, and government agencies.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, competitor strategies, and customer needs in optronics and avionics.
• Develop and implement sales strategies and go‑to‑market plans to achieve revenue targets.
• Lead proposal development, contract negotiations, and closing of deals.

Strategic Partnerships & Market Expansion

• Forge strategic alliances with technology providers, research institutions, and industry partners.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including engineering, product development, and marketing to align offerings with market needs.
• Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and industry events to enhance visibility and networking.

Product & Technical Expertise

• Stay updated on the latest advancements in avionics, electro‑optics, infrared, sensors & emitters, and surveillance technologies.
• Work closely with NPI Director and Program Directors to define customer requirements and technology roadmaps.
• Provide technical guidance and presentations to customers, demonstrating product capabilities and use cases.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Optical Systems preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in business development, sales, or program management within the optronics, avionics, or defense/aerospace sector.
• Strong understanding of electro‑optical sensors, avionics systems, and military/aerospace procurement processes.
• Proven track record in winning contracts, securing partnerships, and driving revenue growth.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Business‑fluent German and English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to travel internationally and domestically as required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with government agencies and defense contractors.
• Familiarity with international trade & export restrictions of defense classified products and dual use goods.
• Previous experience in C4I, Detection, Avionics, or Kinetic solutions.

We welcome suitable applications regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age, religion, ideology, disability or sexual identity.

Excelitas is seeking leaders and innovators to join our global team!

Visit: https://jobs.excelitas.com/