Business Developer Defense - 100%

Tethys Robotics AG; Schlieren; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International travel

Flat hierarchies

Ownership and fast decision-making

Zurich area office

Job summary

Tethys Robotics AG, a Swiss underwater robotics startup near Zürich, seeks a driven business development professional with deep ties in the defence ecosystem. You will open doors with key buyers and decision-makers, shaping GTM strategies and high-value partnerships.

In this role you will co-develop go-to-market plans with the biz and engineering teams, craft tailored proposals, and navigate complex procurement processes across national and international customers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven customer-facing experience in consulting or project management in B2B sales.
• Deep defence sector network and market knowledge.
• Background in project management or technical consulting.
• Experience presenting complex, technically demanding products to non-expert decision-makers.
• Fluent in professional English; German is a strong plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% internationally.

Responsibilities

• Co-develop go-to-market and partner strategies with the biz team and management (e.g. resellers, agencies, distributors).
• Develop tailored proposals with our engineering and biz teams.
• Open doors in the defence sector and generate qualified leads.

Skills

Defence sector network

B2B sales experience

Project management

Technical consulting

Negotiation

Cross-cultural communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/engineering

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.

Find Jobs in Switzerland on Arbeitnow